Bust of a child emerging from a palmette. Probably a Risus. Roman. First century A.D.

Bust of a child emerging from a palmette. Probably a Risus. Roman. First century A.D.
Bronze.
Conservation: Good condition.
Measurements: 7,7 cm. height.

Singular bronze child bust representing a child emerging from a stylized palmette, a decorative motif widespread in Roman art. The piece stands out for the quality of its modeling, especially in the treatment of the face, with expressive features and intense look, where a careful attention to detail is appreciated.

The slight smile and the vivacity of the expression allow us to relate the figure to the iconographic type of the Risus, associated with apotropaic and protective values, frequent in domestic and ornamental contexts. This type of representation, halfway between decorative and symbolic, fulfilled both an aesthetic and protective function in the Roman private sphere.

The composition harmoniously combines the naturalism of the bust with the vegetal stylization of the palmette, generating a formal contrast characteristic of small Roman ornamental production.

The quality of the casting and the presence of a dark antique patina with greenish hues reinforce its appeal and authenticity.