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LOT 0143
Roman Marble Head of a Bearded Man
2ND CENTURY A.D.
10 1/2 in. (13.3 kg, 27 cm).
Carved in the round and probably from a life-size statue or bust of philosopher; depicting an adult male with short tousled hair and a longer 'rim' of wavy tresses at the brow; short curly beard descending to the neck; broad brow with deep-set lentoid eyes; possibly Hadrian, repaired and weather-worn. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceBy repute found near Hadrian's Wall, UK.
From a collection acquired on the UK art market, circa 1999.
From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
Cf. Frel, J., The J.Paul Getty Museum, Roman Portraits, Malibu, 1981, p.75, for similar; see also similar rendering of beard and moustache on a portrait of Emperor Hadrian, in Hermitage, cf.Vostchinina, A., Le Portrait Romain, Musee de l'Hermitage, Leningrad, 1974, pls.L-LI.
FootnotesThis head of bearded man, from a statue or bust probably representing a philosopher, is very similar to the representation of the Emperor Antoninus Pius, and though not imperial, can be dated to his age. The bust produces a convincing illustration of how faithful subjects tried to resemble their contemporary Caesars. Although damaged and blackened by some fire or bad weather conditions, the bust of man is distinguished by its perfect execution and good craftmanship.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Roman Bronze Mirror
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Romano-Celtic Bronze Statuette of a Warrior Wearing Torc
Circa 1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Modelled in the round, standing with right leg bent, right arm raised and left extended before the body; with thick tousled hair, exaggerated torc to the neck, jacket with incised vertical lines, tight-fitting trousers and ankle-boots. 53 grams total, 67 mm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
The pose of the figure suggests that he is in the action of brandishing a weapon, or possibly holding the reins of a team of horses pulling a chariot. Caesar mentions the expert use of the war-chariot by the Britons (Conquest of Gaul, IV.33). The padded garment suggests a Celtic auxiliary in the Roman army.
