Athena Review Image Archive ™
Autun: Gallo-Roman figurine of Goddess of Nursing
Autun: Gallo-Roman figurine of Nursing Goddess (Musee Rolin; photo Athena Review 2012)
This white terracotta figurine (inv. B1581) was made from a mold in a workshop (atelier) in Avernes, and dates from the 2nd century AD. It represents the Goddess of Nursing, and is one of many such figurines made for ex-voto offerings at temple sanctuaries devoted to deities of childbearing and nursing.
The seated figure of the nursing deity is shown holding two infants. The seated pose, and the elaborate hairstyle both show some similarities to earlier Graeco-Roman votive figurines of Demeter and Persephone.
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