51 Gallery
June 2017 Auction 9 Jun 2017
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EMPIRE, GOLD AUREUS OF FAUSTINA II, Rome, ca. AD 145, 7.178g, 5h. Calicó 2044c. Lightly toned with underlying luster. With a splendid portrait, showing Faustina in her early 20s. Good very fine
The early portraits of Faustina make it clear that she must have been one of the great beauties of her age. Not only that, she and her elegant husband Marcus Aurelius must have made a dazzling impression together. The dove of Venus was an appropriate type for a young married woman, symbolizing her tenderness, love, faithfulness and fertility.. Though sources give a generally negative view of her character, she was held in high esteem by soldiers and her own husband and was given divine honours after her death.
The early portraits of Faustina make it clear that she must have been one of the great beauties of her age. Not only that, she and her elegant husband Marcus Aurelius must have made a dazzling impression together. The dove of Venus was an appropriate type for a young married woman, symbolizing her tenderness, love, faithfulness and fertility.. Though sources give a generally negative view of her character, she was held in high esteem by soldiers and her own husband and was given divine honours after her death.