CROATO-AEGYPTICA

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Statue of Isis- Fortuna

Statue of Isis- Fortuna
A standing bronze figure partly covered with green patina. The female figure leans on the right foot with the hip twisted to the right. She is wearing a long sleeveless shirt-hiton, cut in a neckline and reaching the floor in nice folds wrapping the left leg stepping forward. The cloak (himation) goes from the left shoulder diagonally over the back, around the hips, and is fixed under the fingers. The right arm, lowered and slightly turned to the right, is holding a tiller. The left hand, with the elevated elbow, holds the horn of abundance (cornucopia). The head, slightly turned to the right, is decorated with an ''Isis hairstyle''. There are a solar disc and feathers above two horns, and the rim of a modius (wheat recipient- attribute to Demtres) can be seen on the backside. The hair is calligraphy enchased. It is divided by a parting and collected in a bun at the back. The face shows classical beauty, fine and meticulously chiselled eyes, nose and mouth. The figure is graceful and proportional.

The iconography corresponds to a syncretistic type of god, very popular in Roman times. Elements of Isis hairstyle and Pelagitatia attributes (horn of abundance, exotic fruit) and Fortuna (helm symbolizing the control of human destiny, also an attribute of Isis Pelagia) merge in this figure. This scheme is present in several variants and in numerous bronze sculptures, differing only in workshop they were made in, moulds and quality. The style corresponds to the Iulian-Claudian period, but it could be the product of a traditional model used in a later period.

Catalogue entry

Standing bronze figure of Isis- Fortuna
Archaeological Museum of Istria, Pula
The Collection of Augustus Temple
Inv. no. AMIP A 4620
Savudrija (Silvium Promontorium)
Roman Empire, 1st-2nd century
bronze: metal casting and processing
H. 9.2 cm

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