Greek Ptolemaic Marble Head Ptolemy, ex-Bonhams

Greek Egypt, Hellenistic / Ptolemaic Period, ca. 2nd to 1st century BCE. A lifelike and lifesize marble rendering of the face of a ruler, probably one of the Ptolemies, carved with strong features, notably the large eyes with prominent upper and lower lids, the broad nose with recessed nostrils, and the mouth with its jutting lower lip set above a dimpled chin. The irises and pupils are still visible in the eyes as are the individually delineated hairs of the eyebrows. The well sculpted, small ears, set close to the head, as well as part of the hair, which is tightly curled and carved close to the head as if very short, is still visible, especially behind the left ear. The marble used to carve the figure is a beautiful grey-white with sparkling quartz inclusions, especially on the forehead, and banded lines that follow the natural structure of the stone in diagonal lines across the face. Size: 5" W x 9.5" H (12.7 cm x 24.1 cm); 15.3" H (38.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, USA collection, acquired at Bonhams London, April 27, 2006, Lot 58; ex-American collection, acquired in the 1950s to 1960s

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 to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#152687 Dimensions: Condition Report: The upper back of the head is lost as is whatever was below the neck. Loss to tip of nose and smaller chips and scratches from the cheeks, chin, and forehead. However, the face is largely well preserved, with many great details remaining.