South Arabian Alabaster Head of a Man

3RD-2ND CENTURY B.C.

7 3/8 in. (903 grams total, 18.6 cm including stand).

Oval face with pointed chin, stippled beard and elongated ears; incised eyebrows above large almond-shaped eyes, protruding nose and mouth; mounted on a custom-made stand; with old label reading 'N 3268'.

Provenance

Ex Laurin, Guilloux, Buffetaud et Tailleur, Paris, 20 May 1987, no.389.
with Tajan Auction, Paris, 28 March 2003, no.192.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13537-263100.

Literature

Cf. Simpson, J. (ed.), Queen of Sheba: Treasures From Ancient Yemen, London, 2002, item 264.

Footnotes

Within southern Arabia, the ancient tradition of carving beautiful funerary sculptures from alabaster was long-lasting. The eyes and eyebrows of these stone sculptures were usually inlaid or highlighted with red or black pigment.

CONDITION

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LOT 0267