Mar 17, 2009
Mar 17, 2009
Mar 17, 2009
Mar 17, 2009

Portrait Head of a Noble or Official

Portrait Head of a Noble or Official

AD 175–200

Marble

Overall: 38.2 cm (15 1/16 in.)

Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1952.260

Location

Did you know?

When acquired, this portrait was thought to depict Lucius Verus, co-emperor with Marcus Aurelius (reigned AD 161–69).

Description

A nobleman or government official is likely depicted in this portrait of a curly-haired man with a full beard. These features, together with drilled pupils and irises on the eyes, typically do not appear in Roman sculpture prior to the reign of Hadrian (AD 117–38), an admirer of Greek culture. Deeply carved beards and curls remain popular in portraiture throughout (and beyond) the Antonine period (AD 138–92), when this sculpture was probably made.

See also
Collection: 
GR - Roman
Department: 
Greek and Roman Art
Type of artwork: 
Sculpture
Medium: 
Marble

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