06/17/2026
Meru Gallery welcomes a CHOICE Ancient Roman Marble Janus Head. Dating to the 2nd Century - 3rd Century AD/CE, Janus, the Roman god of Transitions, Duality, and the Passage of Time, is represented here with opposing faces on either side - an iconic and symbolically rich form in Roman art.
The sculpture is carved in a compact, hand-worked format, characteristic of provincial or folk sculptural traditions, reflecting production in one of Rome's regional workshops, rather than the highly formalized ateliers associated with the Later Roman Imperial period. Its craftsmanship emphasizes local artistic conventions and practical ex*****on over the refined naturalism and technical sophistication typically found in metropolitan Roman sculpture of the time.
The marble displays a soft, weathered surface with mineral inclusions and age-consistent encrustation/s, particularly visible across the crown and reverse. Ancient tooling marks and surface irregularities remain evident, reinforcing its hand-carved nature and exposure to long-term aging. Its small scale (approx. 6.35 x 8.89 cm) suggests it may have functioned more as a personal devotional object, architectural fragment, or decorative element than as a formal monumental work of sculpture.
The double-faced design is seamlessly integrated into the overall sculptural form, demonstrating a cohesive and well-executed composition. No evidence of modern mounting, drilling, restoration, or alteration is visible, while the surface characteristics and wear patterns are consistent with significant age and long-term burial and/or environmental exposure. A remarkable and rarely encountered example, pieces of this type seldom appear on the market outside of established and longstanding collections.
Condition Report:
The piece remains structurally sound and complete, with no visible evidence of modern repair or restoration. Surface wear is consistent with its age and includes areas of pitting, mineral accretion, and natural smoothing. Fine facial details have softened over time due to weathering and prolonged age-related wear, while the edges and reverse exhibit natural irregularities and expected signs of antiquity. No stand, base, or mount is included.
Provenance:
Ex. Private Pittstown Collection; Ex. Landes Gallery, Pittstown, NJ; Acquired prior to 1971. NFS! ENJOY!!!
Links to parallels:
https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/folk-art/antiquities/roman-janus-head-circa-3rd-century-ad/id-f_14129171/
https://www.alaintruong.com/archives/2017/05/02/35240784.html
