Egypt, Romano-Egyptian period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A finely-preserved, mold-formed terracotta head of Isis with beautiful traces of thick white, pink, and blue pigment. Her gentle visage is composed of elegant almond-shaped eyes, a wide nose, full lips, puffy cheeks, and light brows, all beneath a centrally-parted coiffure. An elaborate headdress caps her head and features concentric stippled crowns and a radiating corona of triangular points. Size: 3.1" W x 2.75" H (7.9 cm x 7 cm); 6.6" H (16.8 cm) on included custom stand.
Isis, an ancient Egyptian goddess, struck a chord with the polytheistic worshippers of the Roman Empire, and her worship spread throughout it during the early centuries of the Imperial Period. For example, there is a gorgeous wall painting preserved at Pompeii of her greeting the Greek heroine Io. The emperor Caligula (reigned 37-41 CE) established a procession honoring the goddess that wound through Rome during his reign; according to the historian Josephus, Caligula went so far as to dress in female garb and take part in the mysteries of the Isis cult. Temples honoring her, called Iseum, were established throughout Rome, with many emperors seeking her favor and protection - Hadrian decorated his villa at Tibur with scenes from her life, and Galerius regarded her as his personal protector. This gorgeous tile may have graced the home of a wealthy patron or a temple wall.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#142852
Condition
This is a fragment of a larger terracotta figure. Minor nicks and losses to crown, corona, and neck line, with fading and light chipping to original pigmentation, and softening to some finer details particularly on obverse. Light earthen deposits and great traces of original pigmentation throughout.