Roman Head In Plaster With Marble Effect, After The Greek Diadumenus

Roman Head in Plaster with Marble Effect, After the Greek Diadumenus

France, mid-20th century.

This rare and finely executed plaster head, finished with a marble-like surface, is mounted on a wooden base and is likely from the collection of the Sens Museum.

The sculpture represents the head of a Diadumenus, inspired by a Roman marble head dating to the 2nd century AD, itself derived from the famous Greek original by Polykleitos, created circa 440–430 BC. The Roman prototype was discovered in 1863 or 1865 at the Abbey of Vauluisant in Burgundy.

While numerous representations of diadem-bearing athletes are known and many copies have been produced since antiquity, this restrained plaster example is particularly rare and constitutes an important witness to Burgundian archaeological history.

The piece is in very good condition, showing only normal wear and a few minor surface scratches.

Dimensions: 38 × 19 × 18 cm
Weight: 3.381 kg