Description:

Hellenistic Greece, Ptolemaic Period, 3rd to 2nd centuries BCE. Carved with delicate lips and recessed eyes (that once would have been inlaid), this is a marble head depicting a woman who is probably Arsinoe II. The marble is very fine, with even, small grains, and a sugary appearance. Arsinoe II was through marriage the Queen of Thrace, Asia Minor, and Macedonia; later, married to her brother-husband Ptolemy II Philadelphus, she was co-ruler of Egypt. Arsinoe was a powerful queen, instigating intrigues early in her career and becoming a successful ruler in Egypt, with towns and cults dedicated to her and appearing on coinage. According to Posidippus she even won three chariot races in the Olympic Games in 272 BCE! Today she is remembered by having an extinct genus of mammals named after her, the Arsinoitherium. This statue reminds us of a powerful and dynamic female figure from history! Size: 2.6" L x 2.3" W x 3.5" H (6.6 cm x 5.8 cm x 8.9 cm)

Provenance: Ex Collection of Professor Peter Arnovick, Ph.D., Menlo Park California.

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#112697

  • Condition: The upper part of the head is unfinished; there is wear and minor chipping to the face, but the features are smooth and clear.

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June 2, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
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$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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