Lot 94
Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. A bronze votive statuette of a priestess, finely cast via the lost wax (cire perdue) process - perhaps representing a Vestal Virgin or a specific empress dressed as a priestess - such as Empress Livia (wife of Augustus, January 30, 58 BCE - September 28, 29 CE) or Agrippina the Younger (died March 23, 59 CE). Donning a voluminous hooded robe that cascades over her form and is carefully delineated with drapery folds, she holds a loaf of bread divided into eighths in her left hand, places her right hand across her heart, and stands gracefully on a rounded, spool-shaped pedestal with a concave base. Size: 6.875" H (17.5 cm)
Vestal Virgins were the worshipped priestesses of Vesta, the Roman goddess of the hearth. They served as the only clergy of a Roman deity and minded the sacred fire in the shrine of Vesta located in the Roman Forum. There they performed various rites associated with Vesta such as preparing ritualistic foods, tending to sacred objects of the shrine, and running events for the annual Vestalia (Vesta's feast days - June 7th to 15th). In addition, they prepared herbs that were used for sacrifices and made pane (bread) used as offerings on feast days such as the Roman New Year (March 1st).
The chief priest would select the virgins when they were between the ages of six and ten years old, and they would serve thirty years. During this period, they were instructed to remain chaste. Upon the completion of their service, they were free to marry; however, not many did because it was considered bad luck, because as brides of Vesta for the vast majority of their lives, they were consecrated to the goddess.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection
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#132460
- Condition: Normal surface wear commensurate with age and minor casting flaws, but generally excellent.
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