Figure of a Woman

myminifactory

This nobly restrained figure of a woman, from the middle of the 2nd century A.D., stands in stark contrast to various male Roman portrait heads on display here. The dignified status of an aristocratic Lady is fully embodied in this majestic work. The body type, often found in imperial female portrait statues, is based on Greek draped figures from the 4th century B.C. Associated with the work of Late Classical sculptors such as Praxiteles or Lysippus, figures of the so-called Small Herculaneum type were frequently adapted in Roman art. The heavily draped figure suggests the virtuous character of the commemorated woman. The portrait head used with this standard body type is gentle and pensive. This complete figure radiates a noble dignity that embodies the best traditions of Roman family life and the high value placed on distinguished Roman women. In appearance, the lady recalls imperial Antonine women such as the younger Faustina, wife of Marcus Aurelius, though the figure is not closely enough aligned with either her or her daughter, Lucilla, to be a genuine royal portrait.