Roman head of Apollo

Roman head of Apollo
ITEM: Head of Apollo
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 2nd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 37 mm x 30 mm (without stand)
CONDITION: Good condition. Includes stand
PROVENANCE: Ex Spanish private collection, bought in English auction house, Ex English private collection, London, acquired in the 1990s

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

As in Greek tradition, Apollo in Roman mythology was associated with a wide range of attributes, including music, poetry, prophecy, healing, and the sun. His role as a deity of prophecy was particularly significant, as he was believed to convey messages from the gods through oracles. The Romans adopted many of the Greek myths and attributes of Apollo but integrated them into their own religious practices and state rituals, reflecting his importance across different aspects of Roman life.

One of the most prominent aspects of Roman Apollo was his association with the sun, a role that was less emphasized in Greek mythology but became more pronounced in Roman culture. The Romans often linked Apollo with Sol, the sun god, merging their attributes to emphasize his role as a solar deity. This association was particularly evident in the development of the imperial cult, where Apollo was honored alongside emperors as a symbol of divine authority and cosmic order. Temples dedicated to Apollo, such as the Temple of Apollo on the Palatine Hill in Rome, were significant religious and cultural sites, reinforcing his role in Roman society.

Apollo's influence extended into Roman art and literature, where he was depicted as a youthful and handsome figure, often with a lyre or laurel wreath. This image reflected his roles in music and poetry, maintaining the aesthetic qualities of the Greek Apollo while adapting to Roman tastes. Roman poets and artists frequently drew inspiration from Greek depictions of Apollo, blending them with local traditions and interpretations. Through these adaptations, Apollo remained a vital figure in Roman religion and culture, symbolizing the blending of Greek and Roman religious practices and the continuity of classical themes within the Roman Empire.

Measurement:

3 x 3.7 cm