A Roman Marble Head of a Goddess, circa 1st Century A.D.

after a Greek original of the early 4th Century B.C., her face with serene countenance, full parted lips, and heavy-lidded eyes, her long wavy hair parted in the centre, bound in a diadem visible above the forehead, confined in a broad fillet, and tied in a chignon at the back; the proper right side of the hair once restored.

Kenneth Glover, esq. (Christie’s, London, June 26th, 1962, no. 304, illus.)

As shown. Part of hair on proper right side once restored, now missing, with two dowel holes. Tip of the nose missing. Lips abraded and chin cracked. Minor abrasions overall. Top of head slightly weathered.
"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 Roman copy of a hitherto unidentified Greek original of the early 4th Century B.C. The rendering of the hair and the position of the diadem visible across the forehead closely resemble the head of the statue of Eirene by Kephisodotos the Elder (circa 374 B.C.), which is known from several Roman copies (see S. Kansteiner, et al., eds., Der Neue Overbeck, vol. 3, 2014, p. 37f., no. 3). It may be suggested that the original of the present head was a work by the same artist.