Ancient Roman Marble STATUE OF RIVER NILE GOD - 31×25×69 cm

Magnificent roman carved marble statue of the river Nile god shown in the traditional reclining pose, a mantle draped over his hips and legs, his sex slightly shown, his right arm resting on his side, the left laid over an overturned urn, the torso nude with well defined musculature, the long beard and hair evoking the form of aqueous reeds. The figure of a cocodrile appears at his feet. River gods were, as the name suggests, deities believed to embody the great rivers of the ancient world. With a distinctive languid form, they were popular depictions throughout the ancient Mediterranean, where they could be found in wealthy villas or public monuments, normally with their back to a wall as a fountain emerged from an amphora situated on the god's lap. This example, though modelled in the round, was likely used in this context. Due to their popularity in the provinces (where there was limited access to expert sculptors) , many surviving examples appear to be roughly carved. However, this example, with its statuesque majesty, is a fine example of Roman Antonine/Severan period sculpture. Dimensions: 69,00 x 31,00 x 25,00 cm. Condition: Half of the head is missing, as well as part of the hands. Normal surface wear on this type of pieces. Excellent condition Provenance: Aqcuired in 2019 at a U. K auction house. Private collection, United Kingdom. Private collection, Spain. Private collection, Europe, acquired in the 1980's. Notes: The piece includes authenticity certificate. The piece includes Spanish Export License for European Union-If the piece is destined outside the European Union a substitution of the export permit will be requested by us. This process could take between 2 and 4 weeks.