Saturn sculpture – 3D MODEL

The sculpture of Saturn represents the bearded God, covered with a toga over his head according to Roman tradition, just like the statue that once stood in the Temple of Saturn in Rome. Saturn is considered the God of time, agriculture, and abundance.

The toga over the head was a common attribute associated with Saturn, symbolizing his role as protector of agriculture, harvests, and the city. The statue in the temple in Rome was covered with an oil-soaked toga tied with a white thread until Saturnalia arrived, at which point they would release it.

No prayers, rituals, or offerings could be made if one’s head was not covered. However, the original sculpture presents a peculiarity: it lacks the left hand, where it would likely have held the sickle, a characteristic symbol of Saturn. It has been repaired and now holds the sickle used in the ancient Greek and Roman world.

This marble statue specifically comes from the Roman villa of Los Quintanares, located in Rioseco de Soria, Spain, and is exhibited in the Numantine Museum of Soria. It is believed to date back to the 1st century CE, placing it in the context of the early Roman period.

The villa of Los Quintanares is an important archaeological site that has provided a variety of artifacts and structures shedding light on life in Roman Hispania. The statue of Saturn, as part of this collection, offers a valuable insight into Roman religion and iconography in the Soria region during this historical period. The sculpture is unique in Spain and Europe, as there are hardly any statues of Saturn, with the closest ones being in Sousse and Tunis, in Tunisia.

The sculpture remains a significant representation of the God Saturn and provides a glimpse into the worship and devotion associated with him in the Roman world, making it ideal for celebrating the Saturnalia.