Gallo Roman Terracotta Sculpture of the Nursing Goddess

Origin: Mediterranean Circa: 2nd Century AD Dimensions: 6.5" Height x 3" Width (16.5 cm x 7.6 cm) Medium: Terracotta This charming and superbly executed mold-made clay figural group depicts a well known motif from Roman period Gaul called the Dea Nutrix, or nursing goddess. Sensitively rendered wearing a light brown fabric, she nurses twins, and is seated on a high-backed throne patterned with herringbone which suggests a wicker construction. She is completely enveloped in a long robe, with only her shod feet protruding from below the hem, as she supports the twins protectively on on her knees. The face and head are particularly well preserved, with large round eyes, small full lips and center-parted hair arranged in a top-knot