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Unknown — A Roman Marble Portrait Head of a Philosopher, circa 1st Century A.D.
Unknown

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

This Roman marble portrait depicts an idealized male figure from the 1st century A.D., likely representing a Greek philosopher based on the traditional long beard and contemplative expression. The work exemplifies the Roman practice of copying celebrated Greek originals, blending Greek aesthetic ideals with Roman portraiture conventions. The precise carving of the facial features and the attention to the texture of the beard demonstrate the technical mastery characteristic of imperial Roman sculptural workshops.

🔨 Auction Lot

Ancient Sculpture and Works of Art

December 3, 2024

Estimate: $12,000$18,000

Lot 439

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About this work

Unknown, A Roman Marble Portrait Head of a Philosopher, circa 1st Century A.D.

This Roman marble portrait depicts an idealized male figure from the 1st century A.D., likely representing a Greek philosopher based on the traditional long beard and contemplative expression. The work exemplifies the Roman practice of copying celebrated Greek originals, blending Greek aesthetic ideals with Roman portraiture conventions. The precise carving of the facial features and the attention to the texture of the beard demonstrate the technical mastery characteristic of imperial Roman sculptural workshops.

Seen at
Sotheby's, New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris

Related themes

Roman, Marble Sculpture, Classical Realism, 1st century AD, Contemplative, Stoic Philosophy, Bust Format, Ancient Roman Art, Roman Portraiture, Philosopher Portrait

More works by Unknown

Collected by

Richard Caswell, Sebastián Naranjo, Jonah Handel, Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, Ethan Elkins, Alex Capecelatro, Mihail Lari, Cleveland Museum of Art