Busacca Gallery

This is a spectacular Roman bronze artifact of the head of Jupiter. ROMAN LEAD RELIEF PLAQUE OF JUPITER. Roman lead relief plaque, Jupiter facing, 13.8 x 12.3 cm. Provenance: The University Collection. Jupiter, also known as Jove, is the king of the gods in Roman mythology. He is the son of Saturn and Ops, and the brother of Neptune and Pluto. Jupiter is the god of the sky and thunder, and is often depicted holding a lightning bolt. He is also considered the protector of the Roman state and its laws. The Roman equivalent of the Greek god Zeus, Jupiter was considered the most powerful of all the gods and was often invoked in oaths and in the names of public institutions. The Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus in Rome was one of the most important religious sites in ancient Rome, and the god's annual festival, the Saturnalia, was a major event in the Roman calendar. Antiquities, including Roman artifacts, are highly collectible due to their historical and cultural significance. Roman art and artifacts offer a glimpse into the daily lives, beliefs, and values of one of the most powerful and influential civilizations in world history. Collectors, scholars, and the general public are fascinated by the art, architecture, and technology of ancient Rome, and the desire to own a piece of that history has driven a high demand for Roman antiquities. Additionally, the rarity and preservation of many ancient artifacts contribute to their collectibility. Many ancient artifacts have been lost or destroyed over time, making those that have been preserved highly valuable. Another reason for the high demand is that many ancient Roman artifacts are well-made and aesthetically pleasing. Roman artisans were skilled in a variety of mediums and techniques, and produced a wide range of beautiful and intricate objects. However, it's worth noting that the trade of antiquities can also be controversial and problematic. Many ancient artifacts have been looted or removed from their original context, making it difficult to understand their true meaning and value.

Ancient bronzes depicting Jupiter are considered to be relatively rare, as bronze was a valuable material that was often recycled in ancient times. Many bronze statues and other objects were melted down and reused for other purposes. Additionally, many bronzes were lost or destroyed over time through war, natural disasters, or other forms of damage. However, a number of bronze statues and other objects depicting Jupiter have been discovered in archaeological excavations, and some of these have been well-preserved. These discoveries have provided valuable insights into the representation of the god in ancient art and culture. Some notable examples of ancient bronzes depicting Jupiter include the bronze head of Jupiter found in Pompeii, the bronze statue of Jupiter Heliopolitanus found in Rome, and the bronze statue of Jupiter Dolichenus found in Germany. Many of ancient bronzes that have been discovered are on display in museums around the world, although they are not as common as other types of ancient art such as pottery or marble sculptures. It's also worth mentioning that many ancient bronzes have been lost due to looting, especially during the times of war, so it's hard to give an accurate estimation of how many ancient bronzes of Jupiter are still in existence.