Italian, 16th century

Having died early in the reign of her husband, Antoninus Pius (r. 138-161 A.D.), Faustina the Elder (circa 100-140 A.D.) was commemorated as Diva Faustina throughout the Roman Empire. Her likeness was captured in statuary and disseminated through coins, resulting in a posthumous cult of the empress as an exemplar of conjugal virtue, which would define Antoninus Pius' political image. 

This finely carved marble relief closely follows Faustina's portrait type from Imperial coinage, characterised by a long neck, draped collar, and an elaborate hairstyle of flat waves decorated with beads, which form a crown-like arrangement at the top of her head. Ancient portraiture was widely adapted by Italian Renaissance medallists and sculptors, and it is likely that the roundel was conceived as part of a series of medallions portraying members of the Roman Imperial families. For stylistically comparable examples, see several marble roundels in the Museo del Prado, Madrid, all catalogued as Italian, 16th century (op. cit., pp. 397-409). 

RELATED LITERATURE

R. Coppel Aréizaga, Catalogo de la Escultura de Época Moderna, siglos XVI-XVIII, cat. Museo del Prado, Madrid, 1998