Ancient Rome, ca. 2nd century CE. Sure to be the star of any collection, this impressive carved marble head represents the god Apollo, slightly over lifesize, in wondrous classicist style, subtly turned on his elegant neck, with almost feminine features and hairstyle. The youthful god of music, the sun, light, poetry, prophesy, healing and more is depicted in a beautiful, idealized manner. Notice the elegant, oval form of his face as it tapers to an ever so square, clefted chin, and his finely delineated, wavy coiffure, parted at the center with curly locks of hair framing his face and cascading down his neck. Beyond this is his sacred visage, embellished with gracefully arching brows that merge into his straight, noble nose, his mesmerizing almond-shaped eyes with varying textures that range from the fleshiness of his thick lids to the fluid properties of his eyes proper, and his bow-shaped mouth with full, curvy lips that are slightly parted. Ah yes, I cannot help but wax poetic about this remarkable work of ancient Roman sculpture. Wouldn't you? Iron pin at base preserved, most likely fashioned to be set within a composite statue. Custom, museum quality stand. Size: Head itself measures 13"H x 8-1/2" at widest (33 x 21.6 cm) + custom stand.

A similar example realized $386,500 at Christies, New York in 2012 (Lot 231, Sale 2565, June 8, 2012). See listing at http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/ancient-art-antiquities/a-roman-marble-head-of-apollo-circa-5567371-details.aspx

Provenance: Ex-private M. Jones collection, ex private UK collection acquired in the 1960's.

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#110622

Loss to nose, minor chips and surface wear, else quite excellent.