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Collecting the Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Rome by Alan Dawson

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Collecting the Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Rome by Alan Dawson Antiquities Collecting the Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Rome by Alan Dawson he Roman pantheon of gods embraced deities in being worshipped in at least three different religions; Tfrom many conquered civilisations, but with a Hinduism (as Mitra) in Zoroastrianism (as Mithra) and Romanised slant, a political tactic shrewd insomuch in the Roman Empire as Mithras. Worshippers of this as it meant that the conquered nation did not have semi-secret religion met in underground temples called all its culture alienated when assimilated into the mithraem which still survive in numbers. The followers Empire. After centuries of religious integration the of Mithras were all men and included soldiers, pantheon grew to such an extent that there was merchants, customs officials and minor bureaucrats, literally a god or goddess for virtually every action even the emperor himself. This strange yet ascending or situation in life. Many of the deities were cult reached its peak in the second and third centuries worshipped in temples or in the privacy of personal AD before being eclipsed by the rise of Christianity. ‘house’ shrines, with a variety of bronze or terra- The condition of ancient bronzes can vary consid- cotta images of gods or goddesses displayed and erably, especially the surface deposits and patination. prayed to according to the favour being sought. This can range from rough, pitted and corroded (Fig 3) Each of the individual deities was thought to possess to smooth clean metal with colourful patinas from reds special powers such as healing, finding lost objects, and purples through to brilliant emerald and blue, and Fig 1. Roman bronze protection, sexual prowess and success in battle. The every shade in between. (Fig 4). This is part of the figurine of Mercury (circa list is endless. Many of these evocative miniature appeal of ancient bronzes and should be appreciated for 2nd century AD). 87mm high, mounted on a modern statuettes have survived and make a fascinating what it is; literally millennia of microscopic metallur- base. The figure is depicted collecting theme. gical transformation. At this point a word of caution. standing nude, with his Until the expansion of the Empire in Imperial times Avoid at all costs a bronze with a powdery green chlamys over one shoulder the original gods of ancient Rome endured as the surface, or powdery patches, as this often indicates the and wearing winged boots favoured deities in shrines and temples. The most presence of bronze disease which can spread rapidly and holding a purse. popular were Jupiter, the king of the gods, Mars, from the inside out and in time totally destroy the Photo courtesy of Timeline Mercury, Apollo and the goddesses Venus and Fortuna. figurine. Most stable surface deposits are hard to the Antiquities Auctions. Jupiter or Jove was the all powerful and feared god of touch. Even some of the finest examples encountered Mercury was the messenger of the gods and the favoured the sky and thunder and as such commanded respect. sometimes have a limb, hand, foot or other part of the deity of merchants and An obvious favourite amongst the legions, especially figure broken away. This isn’t always accidental businessmen. those stationed on Hadrian’s Wall, was Mars, the god of damage suffered through the passage of time rather the war He was second in importance only to Jupiter and result of a deliberate act by the original owner of the the most prominent of the military gods. His festivals figurine (Fig 5). The Romans put great store in making were held in March, the month named in his honour. Of votive offerings at shrines dedicated to certain gods and all the images the one encountered most is Mercury goddesses. Apart from the general dedications of food, (Fig 1) who was the messenger of the gods and the god wine and coins, if a more specific request for help was of trade and travel. His name derives from the Latin needed, such as healing a wound or ailment, (Fig 6) word merx (merchandise) and he is mostly shown then it was customary to leave a miniature reproduction carrying a money purse and holding a caduceus or of the affected body part as a ‘donaria’ or offering magic wand. With the Romans’ love of money and symbol, as a reminder of the request. The easiest way to trade it’s easy to understand his popularity. Ironically, obtain such items at short notice was to break them Mercury was also the patron god of thieves! Apollo had from one of the bronze figurines from your own house many and diverse attributes which included being the altar. There’s often a hidden human story behind a god of truth and prophecy, healing, plague, music, missing statue limb which adds to its appeal. poetry and more. He was also associated with dominion The market price can vary dramatically. Style and over colonists and the patron defender of herds and artistry is a matter of personal taste, but the more flocks. By the third century AD Apollo had merged classical the appearance the higher the value (Fig 7). with Sol to become the supreme Sun God. The goddess The Roman provinces copied classical styles but the Fortuna (Fig 2) was also extremely popular amongst quality varied with some quite crude in execution and the military as the goddess of good luck, fortune and disproportional, yet this naïve approach is attractive and destiny. She was also the goddess of fate and could be makes a fascinating collecting theme. Images of gods Fig 2. Roman bronze figurine of Fortuna wearing most bountiful, hence is often depicted carrying a can be found on all Roman artefacts including bronze the horned sun disc cornucopia, with her right hand resting on a ship’s vessel handles, wax spatulas (Fig 8) used for smoothing headdress of Isis, with ears rudder, steering her way through life’s ups and downs. the wax in writing tablets, door latches, keys and of corn (circa 1st century Fortuna was a popular household deity as she protected furniture appliqués. This was seen not only as decor- BC/AD). 148mm high, citizens from famine and ensured the city’s grain ation but as a respectful gesture to the gods whilst including the integral base. supply, therefore most Roman homes would have reminding the owners of their deferential earthly status. Bonhams Antiquities possessed a small niche or altar with offerings A collection of Roman bronze figurines can be very Auction, 13/04/2011, lot 77. dedicated to her. There are many lesser Roman gods rewarding with plenty of scope for avenues of personal HP. £3,000. ABP. £3,600. Fortuna was the popular and goddesses and demigods associated with a interest. Made by the lost wax process no two statuettes military and household particular aspect of life to have the power to control are the same. Every piece is unique and bears the goddess of good luck and their given remit. As the empire expanded a number of individual style of the craftsman who fashioned it. They destiny. She is shown resting eastern cults were adopted into the Roman pantheon of might not always be as stylish as more modern bronzes on a ship’s rudder and gods and one in particular caught the imagination of the but these ancient representations of the deified human holding a cornucopia. legions, the cult of Mithras. This god is certainly unique form have a certain romantic charm all of their own. ANTIQUES INFO - May/June 12 Antiquities Fig 3. Roman cast bronze Fig 9. Roman bronze Fig 5. An important Roman Fig 11. A large Roman statuette of the demigod Concordia seated figurine bronze figure of Apollo (circa bronze figurine of Diana Hercules (circa 2nd century Fig 7. A large Roman (1st-3rd century AD) 64mm. 1st century BC/AD). 153mm (circa 1st century AD). AD). 86.5mm high including bronze figurine of high, excluding stand. high, excl. modern marble 190mm high, including integral hollow rectangular Venus/Aphrodite (3rd Timeline Antiquities Auction, base. Standing contra-posto integral plinth. Bonhams plinth. Timeline Antiquity century AD), superbly 01/12/2011, lot 298. HP. with the weight on his right Antiquities Auction, Auction, 18/03/2011, lot modelled and solid cast. £550, ABP. £643. Concordia leg. Cast in solid bronze with 13/04/2011, lot 118. HP. 537. HP. £650. ABP. £760. 272mm high with integral was the goddess of the figure’s nipples inlaid £14,000, ABP. £16,800. Hercules was the Roman stand. Timeline Antiquities agreement, understanding, with copper and the eyes Diana was the goddess of name for the Greek demigod Auction, 09/09/2010, lot and marital harmony. Her with silver. Note that Apollo’s the hunt, the moon and Heracles, son of Zeus (the 688. HP. £50,000. ABP. Greek version is Harmonia. right hand is missing - birthing, being associated Greek equivalent of the £58,500. Venus was the Her opposite is Discordia possibly taken as a votive with wild animals and Roman god Jupiter). Roman goddess of love, (or the Greek Eris). The cult offering (?) Bonhams woodland, and having the Hercules adopted a number beauty, sex, fertility, was of special importance to Antiquities Auction, power to talk to and control of myths and characteristics prosperity and military the Imperial household and 13/04/2011, lot 75. HP. animals. She was equated that were distinctly Roman victory. She played a key dedicatory inscriptions to £27,000 ABP. £32,400. with the Greek goddess and, with the spread of role in many Roman her, on behalf of emperors Apollo is one of the most Artemis.
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