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Statuette of Roma or Virtus (Main View, front)

Unknown

The J. Paul Getty Museum

The J. Paul Getty Museum
Los Angeles, United States

Wearing a helmet and a short tunic, this figure probably depicts a goddess. The figure's striding pose and costume, which displays her right breast, show the strong influence of the Greek Classical tradition, drawing especially on depictions of Amazons. The figure is now missing her attributes, which would have securely identified her, but the position of her left hand clearly indicates that she held a spear. Her costume associates her with Roma, the personification of the city of Rome and the Roman Empire, but she might also be Virtus, the personification of valor. If she is Roma, her right hand would have held a statue of Victory; if Virtus, it would have been a sword.

A hole on the back of this figure shows where it originally was attached to another object. This goddess was reportedly found with the Appliqué with Two Men, and the Statuette of a Goddess, Probably Ceres. Together these pieces probably formed a group of relief sculpture, which may have served as appliqué decorating the same object, perhaps a chariot or a piece of furniture.

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  • Title: Statuette of Roma or Virtus (Main View, front)
  • Creator: Unknown
  • Date Created: A.D. 50–75
  • Location Created: Roman Empire
  • Physical Dimensions: 33.1 cm (13 1/16 in.)
  • Type: Female figure
  • External Link: Find out more about this object on the Museum website.
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Terms of Use: Open Content
  • Number: 84.AB.671
  • Culture: Roman
  • Credit Line: The J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection, Malibu, California
  • Creator Display Name: Unknown
  • Classification: Sculpture (Visual Works)
The J. Paul Getty Museum

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