A Hellenistic Marble Head of a Ptolemaic Queen, Circa Mid 3rd/Mid 2nd Century B.C.

probably a portrait of Berenike II or Arsinoe III,  turned to her left, her oval face with slender neck, delicate bow-shaped lips, slightly upturned nose, eyes recessed for inlays, and painted eyebrows, a small hole in the left earlobe, her wavy hair parted in the center and bound in a diadem, the back roughly worked and probably once completed in stucco.

Collection of the Princes of Murat, Naples, 19th Century

As shown and described, surface lightly cleaned, scattered chips and abrasions including chips along the edge of the bust and one above the proper right eye, small area of restoration near the outer corner of the lower lid of the proper left eye, remains of pigment from painted eyebrows barely visible, back unfinished with remains of corroded iron pin in back of head. The head was originally mounted on a 19th century marble socle. The wood plinth above the socle was carved to fit the underside of the bust. There is a fragmentary red wax seal on the back of the plinth and a partially preserved label inscribed in French "a Monsieur le P..."
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The head was originally mounted on a still extant 19th century variegated yellow marble socle. The wood plinth above the socle is carved to fit the underside of the bust. There is a fragmentary red wax seal on the back of the plinth, as well as a partially preserved label inscribed in French "a Monsieur le P..."