The artistic eclecticism on the monumental image of Jupiter – the Roman God
The theme of the first coin from the series The Roman Gods is Jupiter, a mythical god of thunderstorms, sky and rains, the father of all the Roman gods. His image was placed in the central part of the reverse side of the two-ounce coins. The inspiration for the project of such a figure of Jupiter were two pieces of art: the antique “Statue of Zeus at Olympia” sculpted by Phidias and the painting of the 19th century painter Jean Auguste-Dominique Ingres which is commonly identified with the Greek Zeus, the reason why these two images of antique gods are parallel.
Phidias, Statue of Zeus at Olympia (5th age A.D.) Jean Auguste-Dominique Ingres, Jupiter and Thetis (1811)
The monumental figure of Jupiter which can be observed on the reverse side of the coin is surrounded by numerous symbols of power, strength and victory connected together. Jupiter, clothed in an antique robe ornamented by bay leaves, holds a cane surmounted by the head of a lion, his counterpart among the animals. The god leans against a cloud which accentuates his dominance over the world and constitutes a direct reference to the work of Ingres. On the left side of the reverse, there is the figure of Victoria – the Roman counterpart of Nike, the goddess of victory. Her image was inspired by the marble sculpture of the Nike of Samothrace. At Jupiter’s feet, one can admire a giant eagle with outspread wings, which was the symbol of strength and the messenger of the highest of gods in the world of ancient beliefs. The upper background is covered with lightnings – another of Jupiter’s attributes.
In reference to the theme and stylistics which characterise this issue, the coin was minted in the antique stamp. The high relief perfectly exposes the smallest details of the reverse side, accentuating the dignity and majesty of Jupiter.
This coin is extraordinary. It is worth possessing in your collection.
Author: Anita Jaworska