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Roman Portrait Bust of a Noble Woman
About the Item
Roman miniature bust of a noble woman, carved marble, Severan Dynasty, c. 225 A.D.
Rare and particularly elegant ‘wig portrait’ of a noble woman, belonging to the early 3rd Century - a style distinctive of Severan Dynasty female portrait busts, in which part of the head has been chiselled away to allow for the addition of a separate hairpiece, in many cases from a darker material, in order to create an almost painterly effect, in the interplay of different coloured stones. The degree of naturalism and emotional depth achieved in a piece of such a small scale implies a sculptor of great talent. The subtle parting of the lips, in combination with her upturned, vacant gaze and tired eyes, conveys a pensive mood, and even a quiet melancholy.
A woman strolls the town in thick wigs bought with gold,
Then buys new hair to complement the old.
And having bought, she doesn’t blush! Right there she buys,
Before Alcides’ and the Muses’ eyes.
(Ovid, Ars Amatoria, III, 161-168)
The fashion of wig-wearing in this period, as well as its emulation in the wig portrait bust, is widely attributed to Julia Domna, the glamorous wife of Septimus Severus, who introduced the custom to Imperial society from her native Syria. Many of the ‘orphan’ hairpieces that have been discovered from the early 3rd century - that is, the carved wigs that would have accompanied since-lost portrait busts - feature the distinctive middle-parted finger waves that characterise Julia Domna’s popular image.
Measures: Height: 8.3 cm (3.25 inches) / 15.2 cm (6 inches) including base.
Provenance:
With James Nichols Art Studio, Kalamazoo, MI, USA.
Subsequently in the collection of Dr George ‘Yorgo’ Demetrakopoulos (1942-2021), likely acquired from the previous.
Subsequently US art market, June 2022.
- Dimensions:Height: 3.25 in (8.26 cm)Diameter: 1.9 in (4.83 cm)
- Style:Classical Roman (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:225 AD
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:
About the Seller
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LAPADA - The Association of Arts & Antiques DealersInternational Confederation of Art and Antique Dealers' AssociationsThe British Antique Dealers' Association
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
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