Une figurine en terre cuite dorée d’époque romaine à Reims/Durocortorum

Abstract

Archaeological excavations carried out prior to the construction of the tramway in Reims in 2007-2008 led to the discovery of a group of Gallo-Roman terracotta figurines. Within this ensemble, a Venus under aedicula presents a partial gold leaf coating. The study of its iconography reveals it to be a novel decorative feature, representative of a new series within this preexisting iconographic theme. Produced with great finesse, the figurine’s style reveals it to be attributable to the Aeduan potter/coroplast Pistillus, a manufacturer working in Autun/Augustodunum (Saône-et-Loire) during the first half of the 3rd c. AD. The gilding applied to a portion of its surface makes this figurine unique within Roman Gaul, specifically in terms of coroplastic studies and craft industries more generally. While its execution remains classical and similar to other known Greek gilded figurines, its uniqueness invites the opinion that this object was commissioned by a rather wealthy client. This in turn diverges from the generally accepted idea these figurines were commonplace objects for the general population.