A Statuette of Jupiter with Eagle Lot n° 31

Roman 2nd cent. A.D.. Bronze (solid cast). H. 11 cm. W. 5 cm The man represented in heroic nudity can be identified as Jupiter as he holds an eagle in his outstretched right hand. The god held probably a (now lost) scepter in his raised left hand. The elongated face with steeply descending nose and accurately groomed hair and beard which ends in a rounded contour may suggest an intention to provide the god with portrait-like features. The visual assimilation of elements of Jupiter’s iconography was a prerogative of the emperor himself. The coiffure was fashionable during the Hadrianic period, and with elements of the facial features suggest that Lucius Aelius Caesar (Hadrian's chosen successor who died prematurely) is represented. Eyes with finely drilled pupils. Condition: Lower legs reattached. Right arm repaired in antiquity (so-called "Überfangguss"). With Charles Ede Ltd., London. Thereafter priv. coll. Switzerland, since 1999. Starting price: 20000 CHF