A ROMAN MARBLE HEAD OF LUNA

CIRCA 1ST-EARLY 2ND CENTURY A.D.

Details

A ROMAN MARBLE HEAD OF LUNA
CIRCA 1ST-EARLY 2ND CENTURY A.D.
The goddess with abundant wavy center-parted hair pulled up loosely into a top-knot fronted by her crescent attribute, a chignon in back, her oval face with a smooth spade-shaped forehead merging with the bridge of her slender nose, her lidded eyes unarticulated, her small mouth with bow-shaped lips
11 in. (27.9 cm.) high

Provenance

French Private Collection, 1940s.

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

View condition report

Lot Essay

Luna was the Roman moon-goddess. There was a temple dedicated to her in Rome on the Aventine Hill by the early 2nd century B.C., and another on the Palatine. Luna was also identified with Diana Lucifera. For depictions of Luna with the crescent attribute see nos. 33 and 34 in Gury, "Selene, Luna" in LIMC, and for Diana bearing the same attribute see nos. 906-909 in Kahil, "Artemis" in LIMC.

More from Antiquities

View All