A Roman Marble Head of Apollo, circa 2nd Century A.D.

turned to his left, his oval face with youthful features, slightly open mouth as if singing (the upper row of teeth visible), and piercing gaze, his long centrally-parted wavy hair brushed back over the top of the ears and falling over the nape of the neck, the back of the head with area carved flat and prepared for a now missing ancient marble patch; no restorations.

Found in 1916 at Sezze in Lazio, together with a statue now in Rome (A. Giuliano, ed., Museo Nazionale Romano, vol. I.1, 1979, p. 155f., no. 107)
the Zaccheo family, Sezze
acquired by the present owner on the Roman art market in the 1950s

Francesco Fornari, "Statua marmorea ed avanzi di antiche fabbriche rimessi a luce nel territorio del Comune di Sezze, cioè nel territorio dell'antica Setia," Notizie degli scavi, 1916, p. 183f., fig. 2

As described and shown, numerous chips and abrasions.
"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."

This remarkable head is the only known copy of a Greek original of the late Classical/early Hellenistic period. The closest comparison for the rendering of the hair is the head (not belonging) of a statue of Artemis in the Vatican: B. Andreae, ed., Bildkatalog der Skulpturen des Vatikanischen Museums, vol. 2, 1998, pl. 114f. For a similar rendering of the facial features see an over-lifesize head of Apollo in Basel (L. Thommen, Antike Kunst, vol. 35, 1992, pp. 71ff., pl. 16f.; M. Flashar, Apollon Kitharodos, 1992, pp. 35ff., figs. 21ff.). The head in Basel is considered to be a Greek original of the late 4th Century B.C. Identifying the present head is difficult, but the youthful features and rich hair suggest an identification as Apollo.