Description
| ITEM | Head of a helmeted soldier (fragment) |
| MATERIAL | Marble |
| CULTURE | Roman |
| PERIOD | 2nd – 3rd Century A.D |
| DIMENSIONS | 200 mm x 165 mm x 110 mm |
| CONDITION | Good condition |
| PROVENANCE | Ex American private collection, Franke Zollman (Maryland), acquired before 1990 |
Roman marble sculptures depicting Roman soldiers are a distinctive form of sculptural art that was produced in the Roman Empire, particularly during the periods of the Roman Republic and the early Roman Empire, spanning from approximately the 2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD. These marble sculptures are often referred to as “military-themed reliefs” or “Roman soldier reliefs.”
These reliefs portray Roman soldiers in various poses and military attire. They can depict soldiers in formation, in combat, marching, or engaged in various military activities. These representations were popular on both commemorative monuments and sarcophagi, serving to honor soldiers who had fallen in battle or to commemorate significant military events. The reliefs were often used as part of funerary monuments to pay tribute to the deceased.
Roman marbles with soldiers provide valuable insights into the clothing, weaponry, and military tactics of the time. They also offer a glimpse into the significance of the Roman army in ancient Roman society and culture, as well as how soldiers and their achievements were glorified in public sculpture and art.
