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]

By 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.

This 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.