Artwork Page for Portrait Head of a Youth

Details / Information for Portrait Head of a Youth

Portrait Head of a Youth

1–100 CE

Egypt, Alexandria, Roman

Medium
marble
Measurements
Overall: 29.5 cm (11 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1947.188
Public Domain
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Location
103 Roman
Print
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Did You Know?

The carving of this head was never finished.

Description

Several unusual features of this head suggest that its carving was never finished in antiquity. These include unfinished hair around the ears, small bumps remaining in the hair near the front and top of the head, and the lack of a finely polished surface. Although said to have been found in Egypt, the head is carved of dolomitic marble thought to come from the Saliari region of the northern Greek island of Thasos.
A marble sculpture depicts a youth's head from the neck up, facing us. They have a straight nose, full lips pressed together, and large eyes solely outlined with no pupils. Thick, wavy curls frame the forehead and ears in deep, textured ridges. The pale, cream-colored stone is mottled with light brown patches. The sculpture ends at the base of the neck with a jagged, broken edge.

Portrait Head of a Youth

1–100 CE

Egypt, Alexandria, Roman

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