Double-faced Janus - marble high-relief - early 19th century
Beautiful and refined high-relief depicting Janus, the purely Roman deity able to see past and future. In classical times, it was often used as an overdoor or at bridge entrances, with its faces watching in both directions like an entry and exit guard, that is it was used as an apotropaic symbol. Once its use was discontinued (perhaps due to a renovation) it was purchased by my father at an early 19th-century farmhouse in the Roman countryside. It is sculpted in high-quality Carrara marble, with some grains. Still with its original patina and minor wear from ageing, it shows clear signs of consummation to beard and hair on the left face, just above the forehead (probably due to water stagnation), and a small tear at bottom of the neck, where the artwork is complete with a beautiful inscription in Latin "IANUS". Objectively in a good state of preservation. On back, there are two holes allowing to fix it to a wall or an hanging marble slab through metal pins (one of which still partly exists).45 x 39 x 7 cm, 18 kg. Read More