Hellenistic head of a youth, North Africa, c.3rd-2nd century BC
Terracotta
Height: 10.7cm
11717
Mould-made and hollow, the head is crowned with thick locks of hair the ends of which are tightly curled, each one separately formed and individually attached. They frame the face...
Mould-made and hollow, the head is crowned with thick locks of hair the ends of which are tightly curled, each one separately formed and individually attached. They frame the face in two layers that continue over the back of the head circling the crown. His face is relatively wide and flat, with thin lips, narrow almond-shaped eyes and wide nose. Broken, possibly from a complete figure, the surface with remains of white gesso and reddish-brown pigment, chips to some of the locks of hair, some broken and re-glued.
Provenance
Marcel Dumoulin, Belgium; acquired 1960s-1970sRupert Wace Ancient Art, London, UK
David Fuller, Essex, UK; acquired from the above
Private collection, Essex, UK; by descent from the above
Literature
A example of head and bust, almost certainly from the same workshop, and set on a small globe-like sphere, is published in Wilhelm Hornbostel et al, Kunst der Antike. Schatze aus norddeutschem Privatbesitz. Museum Für Kunst Und Gewerbe, Hamburg (Mainz am Rhein, 1977), pp.171-173, no.150, where it is dated to 1st half of the 2nd century AD. A translation of the text says: 'The exact age cannot be determined with certainty. The lower segment of the globe has been cut off. The bust is supported at the back by a round rod, invisible from the front. The upper arm bust has the shape characteristic of Hadrian's time. - Particularly characteristic are the curls, which start in individual whorls on the back of the head and close the head like a cap.' It has been suggested this could be a representation of Antinous, his luxuriant hair being vividly rendered.Publications
Bonhams, London, UK, Antiquities, 23rd October 2012, lot 27
