Roman Bronze Jupiter Dolichenus Eagle Pair

2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.

3 1/2 - 3 5/8 in. (487 grams total, 89-92 mm).

The imperial birds modelled in the round, each standing on the head of a horned bull, wings partially spread; semi-naturalistic detailing to the head and feathers; suspension loop behind the neck. [2]

Provenance

Acquired in Europe before 1992.

Literature

Cf. Speidel, M.P., 'Eagle-bearer and trumpeter' in Bonner Jahrbucher, 176, 1976, pp.123-163; Greet, B.J.R., The Roman Eagle: A Symbol and Its Evolution, Leeds, 2015, figs.6.7, 6.8.

Footnotes

The cult of Jupiter Dolichenus was a variant of worship of Zeus from Asia Minor whose mystery cult was widespread in the Roman Empire from the early 2nd to mid-3rd centuries A.D., especially in the military. The god is usually represented mounting a bull, with the double axe (labrys or bipennis) in his right raised hand, and dressed in the military attire of a Roman general.

CONDITION

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LOT 0127