Lot 19A
Roman, late Republic to early Imperial period, ca. 1st century BCE to 1st century CE. This masterfully carved marble portrait head depicts a bearded man with a thick, forked beard framing full, gently parted lips. His stoic expression is marked by recessed eyes, a broad nose, sunken cheeks, and a prominent, furrowed brow. A crown of tufted curls tops his head, adding texture and depth to the composition. The artists attention to detail is evident in the subtle signs of aging: light furrows on the brow, pouches beneath the eyes, and hollowed cheeks, conveying wisdom and life experience. In Roman portraiture, such realism was valued for its ability to capture the subjects dedication and service to the state. Bald heads, pronounced noses, and visible wrinkles were symbols of gravitas, discipline, and a life devoted to the Republic or Empire. This sculpture exemplifies the Roman commitment to veristic portraiture, blending idealized features with the unvarnished truth of age and character. Size: 4.75" H (12.1 cm)
In very early Rome, men wore their beards uncut. It was not until 300 BCE, that Roman men shaved their beards as a rule according to Pliny (VII. 59). Pliny notes that P. Ticinius Maenas brought over a barber from Sicily at this time, and from then on, shaving became regular habit. During the later Republican Period, some men partially shaved and trimmed their beards. Interestingly, when mourning, men would allow their beards to grow, but in general, beards during this time were thought to be a mark of the lower classes and slovenliness. In addition, the first time a male shaved was noted as a milestone - a signature of manhood. The emperor Hadrian (reigned 117-138 CE), however, revived the beard. According to Plutarch, he wore a beard to hide scars on his face. Thereafter, beards were favored by emperors until the time of Constantine the Great (reigned 306-337 CE).
Classical Greeks and the Romans who came after them honored notable individuals by sculpting them in marble, often with the intention of placing the sculpture at their tombs. While the Greeks frequently portrayed their subjects as idealized and youthful, the Romans focused more on true physical characteristics. Their attention to details of dress, countenance, and coiffure indicated their subjects' social and political statuses. Romans desired portraits that would express the individual's identity by stressing his age, experience, and lack of vanity. Thus, men were depicted with wrinkles, baldness, and physical imperfections that were thought to convey a sense of their virtus, the quality of selfless duty and sober morality.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired August 2023 via Thomaston Place Auction Galleries, Thomaston, Maine, USA; ex-private New Hampshire, USA collection; ex-New York, New York, USA collection, acquired before 2000
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.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#187304
-
Condition:
- Fragment of a larger piece as shown. Losses to nose and chips, nicks, and abrasions throughout. Otherwise, nice remaining detail with clear form and distinctive characteristics. Surface slightly cleaned to show beauty of the natural marble.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.