The typical dress showed off by the female figure identifies the statue as a representation of Isis or of an Isiac priestess. The dark fringed chiton is knotted on the chest in a particular shape, typical of the Isiac cult, which seems to recall an Egyptian amulet in the shape of a knot. The cult of Isis, an Egyptian goddess of ancient origin, wife of Osiris, enjoyed considerable fortune in ancient times, revered as a cosmic goddess. The sculpture, restored not only with the addition of ancient pieces coming from other statues, but also with modern parts, represents a mosaic of conservative interventions used during the period of collecting.
In the exhibition of Palazzo Giustiniani, the work was placed in correspondence with the statue of Isis Pelagia.
Roman, Imperial. Bigio morato mable, torso; restored pieces (head, neck, forearms, and feet) in fine-grained white marble.
Formerly in the Giustiniani Collection.
Torlonia Collection (inv. MT 31), Rome, on loan to the Art Institution of Chicago for an exhibition of the Torlonia Marbles.
