Although this sculpture of Jupiter is diminutive in
scale, it contains a captivating presence equal to
the great statue of the god himself. Naked
except for a robe draped over his shoulder, he
stands calm and confident, crowned with a
wreath and holding his thunderbolt in his right
hand. Although this is the traditional
representation of the god, Jupiter was by nature
a shape shifter. He is perhaps best remembered
for his numerous extramarital exploits
committed in a variety of guises detailed in
Ovid’s Metamorphoses and in many other
popular myths. In fact, it is through these affairs
that he fathered several of the other gods and
goddesses who make up the rest of the Greek
and Roman pantheon. This stunning statue was
most likely worshipped by an individual wealthy
enough to commission or own such a sacred and
prized possession. Given its small stature, it is
possible that this statue served a pious merchant
or in his travels. Perhaps it stood by the side of
a might Roman general as he conquered new
lands on a foreign campaign. Just as likely, this
sculpture might have been placed in a small altar
and worshiped in the private confines of the
home alongside the household gods. Artistically,
the beauty and detail of this sculpture reveals the
skill and mastery of Ancient Roman sculptors.
Although his kingdom has vanished and his
followers have disappeared, when gazing upon
this sculpture of Jupiter, we are still in the
presence of divinity. God, after all, has been
known to take on many guises, like Jupiter, and
this is but one of them.
- (PF.6756)
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