Head of a Roman Notable
Artist
Unidentified artist
CultureRoman
Datec. 200 CE (recarved c. 250 CE)
Mediummarble
Dimensions12 5/16 x 8 11/16 x 9 11/16 in. (31.3 x 22.1 x 24.6 cm)
Classificationssculpture
Credit LineAckland Fund
Object number69.9.1
DescriptionLarger than life-sized head of a bearded man. The head turns right and is slightly inclined, the neck muscles having little torsion. The eyes, directed right, are deep set and heavy lidded, with a shallow line articulating the edge of the iris. One drill hole represents the pupil, a second the circle of light striking the eye (a bean-shaped pupil). Wrinkles and crow’s feet line the forehead and the edge of the eyes. The serious, deeply cut mouth is nearly concealed by a mustache carved with deep grooves. Combed forward over the forehead and ears, the thick hair is heavily worked with a running drill. Thick side burns extend into the beard. Along the edges of beard and hairline strands of hair are worked into the flesh. Evidence of recutting occurs on the forehead and around the hairline. The hairline has been shortened on the forehead and on the sides and back of the neck, in some areas more than a centimeter.On View
On viewCollections
