- 55
A Roman Marble Portrait Head of a Man, 1st Half of the 3rd Century A.D.
Estimate
80,000 - 120,000 GBP
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Description
- A Roman Marble Portrait Head of a Man
- Marble
- Height 25.4 cm. 10 in.
with short incised beard, aquiline nose, eyes with incised irises and drilled pupils under prominent brow with lightly incised eyebrows, and creased forehead, his short hair engraved in a similar style as the beard; restored are the left ear and, in a single piece, both lips with part of moustache and left nostril incl. tip of nose, neck prepared for mounting on a bust or statue.
Provenance
European private collection, circa 18th Century (based on restoration techniques)
Swiss private collection, prior to 1982
Summa Galleries, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, mid 1980s
The Allen E. Paulson Living Trust (Christie’s, New York, June 3rd, 2009, no. 192, illus.)
Swiss private collection, prior to 1982
Summa Galleries, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, mid 1980s
The Allen E. Paulson Living Trust (Christie’s, New York, June 3rd, 2009, no. 192, illus.)
Literature
Hans Jucker and D. Willers, eds., Gesichter. Griechische und römische Bildnisse aus Schweizer Besitz, exh. cat., Bern, 1982, p. 196f., no. 82
Phoenix Ancient Art, Geneva, [Catalogue] No. 1., 2010, no. 4
Phoenix Ancient Art, Geneva, [Catalogue] No. 1., 2010, no. 4
Condition
As described in catalogue. Proper right earlobe missing. Chip in front of proper right ear hole. Proper left ear entirely restored and quite crudely compared to very fine restoration on face. Minor chips and abrasions. Lightly re-polished.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Cf. a portrait of emperor Balbinus (reigned 238 A.D.): H. Wiggers and M. Wegner, Caracalla bis Balbinus, Das römische Herrscherbild, vol. III.1, 1971, p. 249, pl. 79.