Roman Bronze Statuette Bust of Demeter

Ribbed loop handle to the rear, discus with a nude bust of a young woman, a garment folded over her left shoulder; the base with maker's mark 'MNOVIVSI', for M. Novius Iustus. 67 grams, 10.7 cm



Acquired on the European art market, 1980s. English private collection.

The discus decors of these lamps are various: Diana, Dioscuri, Sol and Luna, Africa, Lares, and griffin; portraits of Domitian, Hadrian, male head, bust of a young man, bust of a young woman (our specimen), bust of a bearded old man, fisherman, and an aulete; scorpion, boar, and lion with crocodile; etc. They were an African production and not less than seven workshops have been individuated: M N O V I V, M N O V I V S T (our example), M N O V I V S T I, I V N I A L E X I, C C O R V R S, E X F N A / LV C C E I O R V M.

Modelled in the round standing wearing a crested helmet, muscle-cuirass with tunic beneath, short pteruges and greaves; left hand raised to hold a spear, right hand with gladius resting on the forearm. 36 grams, 62 mm



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

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.

Vertical gold shank with loop above, cell with inset garnet cabochon and three annular beads. 0.62 grams, 22 mm



From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s.