God Nile; Rome, Eastern Europe, 2nd century A.D. White marble. It shows superficial wear caused by the passage of time. Presents loss of part of the head and hands. Measures: 69 x 31 x 25 cm. Roman statue of carved marble of the fluvial god Nile that is shown in the traditional reclining posture, a mantle on his hips and legs, his sex slightly shown, his right arm resting on his side, the left one on an overturned urn, the naked torso with a well defined musculature, the long beard and the hair evoke the form of watery reeds. The figure of a crocodile appears at his feet. The river gods were, as their name suggests, deities believed to embody the great rivers of the ancient world. With a distinctive languid form, they were popular representations throughout the ancient Mediterranean, where they could be found in wealthy villas or public monuments, usually with their backs to the wall as a fountain emerged from an amphora placed in the god's lap. This example, although modeled in round bulk, was probably used in this context. Because of its popularity in the provinces (where there was limited access to skilled sculptors), many surviving examples appear to be more crudely carved. This example, however, is a fine example of fine sculpture from the Roman Antonian/Severan period. Dimensions 69 x 31 x 25 cm. Condition Report It presents superficial wear caused by the passage of time. Presents loss of part of the head and hands.