THIS OBJECT WAS SOLD
Head Of A Female Divinity In Marble - Imperial Roman Period - Life Size
Head of a female deity in marble - Imperial Roman period Head of a female deity in marble - Imperial Roman period
We offer for sale a remarkable female head in white marble from the Roman period, dated between the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. This fine sculpture testifies to the skill of Roman workshops in the art of idealized portraiture and divine representation.
The work measures 25cm high, 17cm wide and 21cm deep.
It features a female face with delicate, harmonious features, perfectly in keeping with classical canons of beauty. The modelling is remarkably meticulous, with softly marked cheekbones, full, slightly parted lips and a round chin. The finely chiselled eyes (a posteriori) feature delicately hemmed eyelids. The hairstyle is the most spectacular element of this sculpture, with its finely sculpted wavy locks pulled back in a fluid, natural movement. The hair is surmounted by a headband decorated with vegetal motifs, probably ivy or laurel leaves, and topped by a cylindrical polos adorned with stylized vegetal reliefs.
These iconographic attributes strongly evoke representations of female deities such as Demeter, Persephone or Cybele, or a Roman matron heroized according to the divinization practices of the imperial aristocracy. The polos and plant headband are characteristic of deities associated with fertility and protection cults.
Fine-grained white marble with a slightly orange patina. Good overall condition despite some alterations typical of antique sculptures. The nose shows some damage, and the polos and vegetal headband show small gaps. It is simply embedded in an iron rod on a black-painted marble support.
Ancient collection of a Côte d'Azur doctor. Purchased in the 1970s from a Swiss antique dealer.
The finesse of execution and attention to detail, particularly evident in the treatment of the hair and ornamentation, attest to production in a competent Roman workshop. This piece is a precious testimony to Imperial Roman sculpture and will appeal to collectors of ancient art as well as to lovers of classical sculpture.
A rare work on the market and never before seen in auction rooms!
We offer for sale a remarkable female head in white marble from the Roman period, dated between the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD. This fine sculpture testifies to the skill of Roman workshops in the art of idealized portraiture and divine representation.
The work measures 25cm high, 17cm wide and 21cm deep.
It features a female face with delicate, harmonious features, perfectly in keeping with classical canons of beauty. The modelling is remarkably meticulous, with softly marked cheekbones, full, slightly parted lips and a round chin. The finely chiselled eyes (a posteriori) feature delicately hemmed eyelids. The hairstyle is the most spectacular element of this sculpture, with its finely sculpted wavy locks pulled back in a fluid, natural movement. The hair is surmounted by a headband decorated with vegetal motifs, probably ivy or laurel leaves, and topped by a cylindrical polos adorned with stylized vegetal reliefs.
These iconographic attributes strongly evoke representations of female deities such as Demeter, Persephone or Cybele, or a Roman matron heroized according to the divinization practices of the imperial aristocracy. The polos and plant headband are characteristic of deities associated with fertility and protection cults.
Fine-grained white marble with a slightly orange patina. Good overall condition despite some alterations typical of antique sculptures. The nose shows some damage, and the polos and vegetal headband show small gaps. It is simply embedded in an iron rod on a black-painted marble support.
Ancient collection of a Côte d'Azur doctor. Purchased in the 1970s from a Swiss antique dealer.
The finesse of execution and attention to detail, particularly evident in the treatment of the hair and ornamentation, attest to production in a competent Roman workshop. This piece is a precious testimony to Imperial Roman sculpture and will appeal to collectors of ancient art as well as to lovers of classical sculpture.
A rare work on the market and never before seen in auction rooms!
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