Sensitive Roman Marble Head of a Child
Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st century CE. A sweet, sensitive marble sculpture of a child's head, with a lifelike face comprised of heavy-lidded almond-shaped eyes, delicate brow line leading to a petite nose, full, heart-shaped lips delineated with a naturalistic philtrum above, a petite chin, and pudgy apple cheeks confirming his childlike traits - all framed by a wavy coiffure of thick locks, carved as ringlets, with wispy curls above his forehead. The head gazes straight ahead, as if looking at the viewer, and the irises are delineated, further enhancing the lifelike appearance. Size: 5.15" W x 6" H (13.1 cm x 15.2 cm); 10.5" H (26.7 cm) on included custom stand.
During the Roman Imperial period, children were popular subjects for sculpture displayed in both the private and public arena. Ancient literature confirms that the Romans cherished childhood and appreciated a nostalgia for its innocence, playful behavior, and gentleness. In addition, children played a role in mythology - i.e. the well-known myth of a boy strangling a goose may have been a domesticated parody of Hercules (Greek Herakles) strangling serpents as an infant. Children were also often depicted interacting with animals in a friendly manner - suggesting that the ancients appreciated the emotional and social benefits of keeping pets.
Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in 2019; ex-Aphrodite Ancient Art, New York, USA
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.
#151047
Condition Report: A section from a larger statue with losses to the neck, coiffure, and other high-pointed areas as shown. Expected surface wear and weathering commensurate with age, but the facial features and nice areas of the coiffure are still vivid.
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Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st century CE. A sweet, sensitive marble sculpture of a child's head, with a lifelike face comprised of heavy-lidded almond-shaped eyes, delicate brow line leading to a petite nose, full, heart-shaped lips delineated with a naturalistic philtrum above, a petite chin, and pudgy apple cheeks confirming his childlike traits - all framed by a wavy coiffure of thick locks, carved as ringlets, with wispy curls above his forehead. The head gazes straight ahead, as if looking at the viewer, and the irises are delineated, further enhancing the lifelike appearance. Size: 5.15" W x 6" H (13.1 cm x 15.2 cm); 10.5" H (26.7 cm) on included custom stand.
During the Roman Imperial period, children were popular subjects for sculpture displayed in both the private and public arena. Ancient literature confirms that the Romans cherished childhood and appreciated a nostalgia for its innocence, playful behavior, and gentleness. In addition, children played a role in mythology - i.e. the well-known myth of a boy strangling a goose may have been a domesticated parody of Hercules (Greek Herakles) strangling serpents as an infant. Children were also often depicted interacting with animals in a friendly manner - suggesting that the ancients appreciated the emotional and social benefits of keeping pets.
Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in 2019; ex-Aphrodite Ancient Art, New York, USA
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.
#151047
Condition Report: A section from a larger statue with losses to the neck, coiffure, and other high-pointed areas as shown. Expected surface wear and weathering commensurate with age, but the facial features and nice areas of the coiffure are still vivid.
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