2nd-3rd century AD. A bronze figural fitting with two substantial loops to the reverse, bust of a matron, possibly Faustina the Younger, with carefully dressed braided hair and chignon; draped mantle to the upper body clasped at the right shoulder by a discoid plate brooch; the features finely modelled with high bridge to the nose, small mouth, large lentoid eyes; socket to the top of the head. Property of a European collector; acquired Europe 1990s. Accompanied by an Art Loss Register certificate. Faustina the Elder (100-140 AD) was the wife of the emperor Antoninus Pius. She came from a distinguished aristocratic family with her aunt being the empress Sabina, wife of Hadrian, and her father a consul and noted diplomat. She was born and raised in Rome and married Antoninus Pius as a private citizen in 110 AD. She bore him four children, of whom only Faustina the Younger survived infancy; Faustina the Younger went on to marry the future emperor Marcus Aurelius. On the death of Hadrian in 138 AD her husband became the new emperor, having been adopted by Hadrian and groomed for the succession. Faustina became empress and was given the title Augusta by the Senate. She was well known for her beauty and wisdom as well as her charitable work with the poor and the education of children; she sponsored an orphanage in Rome specifically to care for the upbringing and welfare of girls. Faustina died in 140 AD and a honorary column was erected to her and she was deified, having a temple dedicated to her in the Forum. This bronze is possibly of Faustina as a goddess as the semi nudity of the figure, and acanthus leaves along the base of the bust, indicate divinity after death and it may well have been set up in a household shrine, or lararium, for worship. 585 grams, 14cm (5 1/2").

Very fine condition; small loss to the lower edge.