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This superb Roman bronze is a bust of the goddess Minerva. This complete piece is approximately 4.5 inches high, and dates circa 1st century A.D. This beautiful piece is a much better example than what is normally seen, and is a complete intact example. This attractive piece is also in superb condition, save for a small dent at the tip of the nose. This piece has an attractive dark green patina with spotty red highlights, and in addition, this piece has a crest pin and detailed flowing crest that is usually missing relative to this type of piece. This piece also has a detailed scaly aegis fronted by a facing head of Medusa, silver inlaid eyes, and a detailed crested Corinthian helmet seen high on her head. The goddess has a beautiful oval face with her long hair center parted, and a serene upward gaze. The silver inlaid eyes also accentuate the serene facial expression that is portrayed. This piece has an iron pin seen under the piece, and this piece may have been attached to a furniture piece or a private shrine. The worship of Minerva was universally established, and it was the duty of almost every member of Roman society to implore the assistance and patronage of Minerva who presided over sense, taste, and reason. She was also invoked by every artist, and particularly those who worked with wool, embroidery, painting, and sculpture. This piece is very analogous in type and size to an example that was offered in Christies Antiquities, New York, Dec. 2008, no. 141. See attached photo. ($7,000.00-$9,000.00 estimates, $6,250.00 realized.) This piece also sits on a custom metal stand. Ex: Private New York collection. Ex: Harlan J. Berk collection, Chicago, Ill. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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