HEAD OF A MONUMENTAL STATUE: DEA ROMA (?)

Dimensions
200 x 45 cm
Date
early 20th century
Period
Material
Inventory
Ag.28
ID
Hyp-6258
References
Hekler, Gipszgyűjtemény, no. 158

The monumental piece in Copenhagen belonged to a statue with only its head and limbs carved of marble. These were attached to a structure made of a different material (for example wood), and draped in precious textiles. A large part of the helmet of the goddess is lost, and so are the eyes that were perhaps made of metal and glass. The statue was earlier identified as Minerva, but has lately been regarded as Dea Roma. The goddess personifying Rome was honoured in a cult shared with Augustus, who founded the empire. The statue follows the traditions of Classical Greek art.