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Head of Athena
Roman copy of a Greek original,
2nd century A.D.
Marble
Gift of Anna Rice Cooke, 1933 (3604)
Whether replicas or purely Roman in conception, statues of gods and goddesses were produced by Roman artisans in all sizes, from elaborate and large cult figures made as dedications in temples, sanctuaries, and shrines, to small images for household or personal dedication or devotion. At one time identified as a head of Apollo, this monumental sculpture represents Athena, patron goddess of the city of Athens. She is identifiable by the remnants of a helmet carved on her head, particularly the remains of a protective flap at the back of her neck. The top of her head is missing, perhaps allowing the addition of a helmet created in a different material that has since disappeared. The head is believed to be modeled after a Greek sculpture of the fifth century B.C., following the artistic tradition of adoption and adaptation popular in Roman times as educated and wealthy patrons sought to evoke the culture and beauty of Greek cities. The monumental scale of this head indicates that it was not intended for display in a private residence. It may once have been attached to an over-life-sized image of the goddess that stood in a religious, palatial, or other public setting, elevated perhaps in a niche as part of an architectural scheme or on a pedestal inside or outdoors.
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