This touching marble statuette depicts a mother
and
her child, sat in reclined pose upon a throne. The
social significance of the pose and the setting
would
no doubt be apparent to the Roman audience,
and it is
likely that the couple portrayed enjoyed a high
social
status; alternatively, they may be an allegory for
the
joys of motherhood, as maternity was a very
powerful
element in Roman social, moral and religious
conventions.
The mother is sat centrally in semi-formal pose,
while
her child - perched on her left knee - plays with
her
clothing. The drapery is very well carved, and
entails
a toga and headscarf arrangement (the child is
naked).
Detailing is very fine, small points being picked
out
with great precision. The contours of the child's
body
are exceptionally well executed. The piece stands
14.5 high. There is minor damage to the base
and the
mother's right foot, but the impressive impact of
the
piece is unaffected by this. This is an excellent,
well-carved and well-preserved sculpture.
- (X.0501)
|
