Late 2nd century AD.A beautifully carved bust of a woman with her hair elegantly parted at the centre was fashionable during the late Antonine and Severan periods. The statue most probably represents Empress Julia Domna, wife of Septimus Severus and mother of Caracalla and Geta. Her face depicts a serene expression, with large eyes drilled to have deep pupils, a delicate aquiline nose, and a small mouth gently smiling. The figure displays the iconic hairstyle of Julia Domna, delicately twisted into thick curls throughout the front of her head, mirrored and divided by a central parting, with two flowing curls sweeping into her cheeks. The hair is platted into concentric circles at the back of her head to form a loose bun, dressed in a peplos, a tunic worn by women during the Severan period, faced at the top corners with small round broaches. Tied in a loose knot at her chest is a himation draped around her shoulders.Size: H:320mm / W:17mm ; 2.45KgProvenance: Private collection of a London doctor; Formerly in an East Coast, New York, USA collection; Acquired in 2011 from Gorny & Mocsch, Munich, Germany; formerly in an old Bavarian collection.