Height: 4.3 cm

Provenance: 

Joseph Weller Collection, Germany, 1940-1960

Christie’s, New York, Ancient Jewellery, 9 December 2004, lot 130

UK private collection, acquired from the above

Literature:

Solid cast, likely depicting Aphrodite, holding her pomegranate, the goddess is shown standing on an integral square plinth, wearing a high-belted peplos with a long overfold, the hem of her garment falling to her feet, her left arm at her hip, her lowered right arm once holding an attribute, her head turned slightly to her right, her long hair with portions pulled up into a top-knot, a tendril falling onto each shoulder.

While bronze statues were common, silver figures are rare and this work demonstrates the virtuosity of Roman artisans and the variety of luxury materials used for small-scale devotional objects.