Romain antique, Empire Marbre Portrait Tête d'Homme - 26 cm

A Roman Marble Portrait Head of a Man (early 2nd Century A.D.)

The development of Roman portraiture is characterized by a stylistic cycle that alternately emphasized realistic or idealizing elements. Each stage of Roman portraiture can be described as alternately “veristic” or “classicizing,” as each imperial dynasty sought to emphasize certain aspects of representation in an effort to legitimize their authority or align themselves with revered predecessors.

The origin of the realism of Roman portraits may be, according to some scholars, because they evolved from wax death masks. These death masks were taken from bodies and kept in a home altar. Besides wax, masks were made from bronze, marble and terracotta. The molds for the masks were made directly from the deceased, giving historians an accurate representation of typically Roman features.

This marble portrait head of a man dates of the Trajanic Period, in the early 2nd century AD, and it depicts a very realistic portrait of a man with a calm expression.

Provenance: Former private collection (California). Wood Dalling Hall Estate, Norfolk, United Kingdom. Cheffins Auction, United Kingdom, The Fine Sale, Day 2, 28 November 2019, Lot 285.

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