Roman Marble Head of a Woman, possibly an Empress, circa 2nd century AD. Life-size marble head which is socketed to accept a missing crowning piece. The wavy hair along the browline is characteristic of Imperial hairstyles during the Antonine era (ca. AD 138-190) and the admittedly rather battered features do bear a resemblance to sculpture and coin portraits of Lucilla, daughter of Marcus Aurelius and wife of Lucius Verus; alternatively, this could be a provincial woman presenting herself in Imperial style. The surface shows considerable surface erosion and damage, particularly to the nose, chin and right brow; however, the portrait remains distinctive and pleasant.
Stands 11" (28 cm) tall. On a custom black museum base.
Estimated Value $5,000 - 7,000.
From the Estate of Gloria and Melville B. Nimmer, Westwood, Ca. Acquired from Superior Galleries, Beverly Hills, June 1993.
The Joseph Melchione Collection of Antiquities
