ROMAN MONUMENTAL MARBLE PORTRAIT HEAD OF FAUSTINA THE ELDER
ANTONINE PERIOD, C. 135 - 140 A.D.
£745,201
Classical Ancient Art // Form Through Time
Auction: Classical Ancient Art - 21st March 2024 at 2pm
Description
carved marble, her hair arranged in two layers of meticulous waves divided by a plain headband, topped with a crescent-shaped diadem; clad in a palla draped over the back of her head and over the shoulders; together with a 19th century red marble plinth
Dimensions
97cm high
Provenance
Provenance:
John Bligh, 4th Earl of Darnley (1767 – 1831), Cobham Hall, thence by descent
Sotheby’s, London, Cobham Hall, July 22nd 1957, lot 389
Footnote
Note:
The present piece depicts the empress Faustina the Elder, wife of emperor Antoninus Pius, and dates to around 135 – 140 A.D. It is a highly idealised and rejuvenated image. Her hairstyle is not a traditional Roman one but is rather inspired by the imagery of the goddess Hera.
Faustina the Elder, also known as Annia Galeria Faustina or Faustina Major, was the daughter of the Marcus Annius Verus and Rupilia Faustina. She married her cousin, the future Emperor Antoninus Pius, in 110 A.D, cementing her position at the centre of Roman imperial power.
In 138 A.D. Antoninus Pius would succeed Hadrian as emperor and Faustina was granted the title of Augusta by the Senate. However, only three years later, in 141 A.D., she would die unexpectedly. It appears that Antoninus was devastated by her passing, he had the Senate deify her and dedicate the Temple of Faustina to her in the Roman Forum. A priesthood was assigned to her worship, her image was carried in ‘pompa circensis’ and there was a foundation for orphan girls established in her honour. Her image was kept in circulation as coins in the name of ‘Diva Faustina’ continued to be issued, apparently through the whole course of the reign of Antoninus Pius, which is, as far as we know, a privilege that is a unique tribute from the emperor to his deceased wife.