Carved relief of Ceres, German, 19th century

German, 19th century
Relief bust of Ceres
Limewood, on velvet-lined frame
20 cm. high x 14 cm. wide (26 cm.x 19 cm. framed)

This well-executed limewood relief depicts the Roman goddess Ceres, who is identified by the wheat stalks embellishing her long, thick locks of braided hair, which are tied in a bun at the top. She is presented in the classical style facing left with uncut eyes and bare chest.

The slightly round proportions of the face suggest the relief is by a north European, probably German sculptor. No precise models for the present relief have been found, suggesting it is an original depiction of the goddess by the artist.

Ceres was the Roman goddess of agriculture, grain crops, fertility and motherly relationships, whose Greek equivalent was Demeter. She is also known as the Earth goddess and is usually depicted as a mature woman. Ceres was the only agricultural Roman deity to be listed among the Dii Consentes, Rome’s equivalent to the Twelve Olympians of Greek mythology.