Ancient Mediterranean, Cyprus, ca. 5th century BCE. An exemplary limestone head of a male youth displaying characteristic wide eyes, gracefully arched brows, thin lips, and a pointed chin, all beneath a tightly-coiled coiffure. Traces of red paint can be seen on the eyes, indicating the pupils. The angelic face radiates with life in a mixture of realism and idealization. Likely a votary, his charming looks and closed lip smile are reminiscent of a kouros statue of Archaic Greece. Limestone sculpture had a centuries-long tradition in Cyprus; it flourished during the Archaic and early Classical periods before its decline in the fourth century BCE. Greek control over the island during most of that time period - as well as a less overt but still important Greek influence on eastern Mediterranean culture - meant that Cypriot sculptors often imitated Greek statuary, and the Greek veneration of male youths was an artistic constant. Size: 1.8" W x 2.2" H (4.6 cm x 5.6 cm); 4.3" H (10.9 cm) on included custom stand.

This piece comes to us from the period when Cypriot artisans produced limestone art. In time, the availability of marble and bronze statuary from other areas of Greek cultural influence, coupled with the ease with which artists could travel around the area during the relative peace of the Hellenistic era, meant that the native tradition of limestone sculpture would eventually come to a demise, replaced by works from outside the island.

Provenance: ex-Royal Athena Galleries, New York City, New York, USA; ex-H. Cahn collection, September 2009; ex-Sarasin family collection, acquired between 1960-1970

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#175413

Fragment of a larger piece with losses to headdress and nose. A few nicks, abrasions, and scratches in areas, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellently preserved with impressive remaining detail.