Lot 18F
Greece, Hellenistic period, ca. late 4th to 2nd century CE. A gorgeous mold-made figure of the goddess Fortuna standing on a chariot. She raises her himation with both hands, inside which at her waist she cradles a multitude of fruit, creating a picture of abundance. The statue is beautifully done, with an incredible level of detail on the goddess's body, clothing, and face. Below her is the large, spoked wheel of a chariot, all that remains of what was once the full vehicle. The entire statue rests upon a thin, flat platform. Size: 4.75" W x 8.5" H (12.1 cm x 21.6 cm); 9.45" H (24 cm) on included custom stand.
We know from Pompeii and other classical domestic sites that votive statues like this were made to placed inside of altars, known as lararia, in private homes. In the Greek world, they were located in the courts and peristyles of homes, in contrast to the Roman world, where they were often in gardens and kitchens. Researchers believe that this is because cult worship in the Greek world was more public than in the Roman world, so visitors to a Greek home could take part in religious activities alongside the family. Fortuna was one of the most common deities worshipped in private homes, and she is often depicted, as she is here, with her cornucopia, in order to bring prosperity and luck. You can imagine standing before this beautiful figure, asking the goddess to bring wealth to your family and friends.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Frances Artuner collection, Belgium, acquired in the 1960s
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#139659
- Condition: Piece is a fragment as shown. Fragment has not been repaired. Nice remaining detail. Deposits on surface, especially in lower profile areas.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
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| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |