Description
| ITEM | Head of an eagle |
| MATERIAL | Limestone |
| CULTURE | Roman |
| PERIOD | 2nd – 3rd Century A.D |
| DIMENSIONS | 95 mm x 100 mm x 135 mm |
| CONDITION | Good condition. Includes stand |
| PROVENANCE | Ex German private collection and galerist, acquired before 1980 |
The aquila, or eagle, is one the most enduring symbols of Roman civilization. While different animals and mythological creatures served as meaningful signifiers throughout the Republic and Imperial eras, the eagle continuously symbolized power and authority.
The eagle was considered majestic and transcendent, to the point that live birds were often caged on emperors’ funeral pyres. Once they broke free and flew skyward, the Romans considered it a manifestation of the deceased emperor’s transition to godhood.
