Lot 55
Roman Empire, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A large and finely sculpted marble head of a man, typical of the Augustan Age, in which the realistic traits are coupled with an expression of pensive and detached intensity. If anything, the style leans more toward an idealistic classicizing type rather than a veristic portrait. The stylistic development of Roman portraiture is characterized by a cyclical pattern, alternately emphasizing realistic or idealizing elements, as each imperial dynasty wished to emphasize particular aspects of representation in order to legitimicize their authority or maintain a link to their highly regarded predecessors. Rather than delineating every wart and wrinkle as was the custom of veristic portraiture of the Republic, this example is more in line with the Augustan and Julio-Claudian periods when favored likenesses were relatively youthful and herocizing, manifesting an idealization akin to Hellenistic art. Given that the visage and front portion of the subject's coiffure is sculpted, yet the backside is unfinished, this piece may be part of a Pontifex Maximus (High Priest) representation in which the veil was traditionally sculpted separately from the visage. Size: for head alone, 11-1/2" (29.2 cm) H x 8-1/4" (21 cm) W x 8" (20.3 cm) D; on stand, 18-1/4" (46.4 cm) H. Provenance: Ex-private NYC, NY collection; ex-private William Froelich Collection, NY, acquired 1970's. All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. #108579
- Condition: A fragment as shown with small drill hole at back of left side.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |