Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A gorgeously-preserved cast bronze bust of the goddess Minerva, depicted wearing a peplos with a circular button at the shoulder. The goddess's head is turned, looking into the distance, with her wavy hair fantastically styled into two tall spikes while the rest flows down her back. A decorative border forms the bust into a rounded disc with the head projecting upward from it. The details and preservation on the piece, especially of the hair, are fantastic. Minerva was the Roman interpretation of the Greek goddess Athena; the Romans did not stress her warrior aspects, but instead her wisdom and knowledge. This bust may have been used as a weight. Size: 3.15" W x 4.8" H (8 cm x 12.2 cm); 6.05" H (15.4 cm) on included custom stand.

A larger example sold at Christie's in 2012 for $56,250: https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/a-roman-bronze-bust-of-minerva-circa-5627884-details.aspx

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#137277

Tiny losses from edges. Rich, dark green patina on surface.