Un inedito acrolito per una nuova statua di culto tardo-repubblicana

Abstract

An unpublished female head, belonging to a statue made using the acrolithic technique, has been discovered in the archaeological
archives of the Musei Capitolini. Its colossal size makes it likely that it referred to a cult image, recalling the most significant acroliths
of the late Republican period. The possible original presence of a helmet suggests it was a warrior goddess, inspired by the image of
Pheidia’s Athena Parthenos, which was adopted by Greek sculptors active in Rome as well, to represent female divinities of the local
pantheon (such as Minerva, Bellona, Roma, Virtus).