Roman, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A fine ox-bone carving of a kourotrophos nursing an infant, perhaps Ceres suckling Iacchus. A kourotrophos is the name used for ancient goddesses who possessed the ability to protect young people. They included Athena (Minerva), Ceres (Demeter), Aphrodite (Venus), and Artemis (Diana), and are typically depicted holding an infant in their arms. Male versions included Apollo and Hermes (Mercury). In this example, the goddess dons a flowing chiton with meticulously delineated cascading folds of fabric and an ornament in her long, centrally parted straight hair. Her facial features are sensitively rendered, and the baby in her arms nestles in closely for her maternal attention. Custom stand. Size: 4.125" H (10.5 cm); 5.375" H (13.7 cm)

Provenance: private New Jersey USA collection, acquired over twenty years ago

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#121518

Losses to goddess' hair, arms, lower body, and pedestal. Losses to baby's head and legs.