Important Late Roman Marble Portrait of Constantine
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Description
Ancient Rome, Late Imperial period, ca. 4th century CE. An impressive and large carved marble head of Constantine the Great (ca. 280 to 337 CE), the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity who was also known as Saint Constantine, established the great city of Constantinople, and ruled in the early 4th century CE. This likeness of Constantine harkens that of the famous Colossus of Constantine (ca. 312-315 CE) in that his imposing, confident frontal visage presents an ethereal quality rather than a more humanistic personality. This Constantine, while smaller (but still quite large) also boasts that steely attitude of the Colossus of Constantine. His steadfast gaze from those enormous eyes set into that long, clean shave face with its broad, simple planes framed by an impeccably styled coiffure convey eternal authority and intimidating power, quite befitting of Constantine's legendary absolute reign. This depiction was deliberate, intended to evoke images of earlier mighty Roman rulers, in particular Trajan who was revered to be the ideal model of a Roman emperor in the later third and fourth centuries. A wonderfully carved depiction of the "official" image that Constantine wished to present in order to stand apart from his more recent predecessors. Quite rare and important! Custom, museum quality stand. Size: head itself measures 9.5" deep x 7" W x 10.5" H (24.1 cm x 17.8 cm x 26.7 cm); 17.25" H (44.5 cm) on stand
Provenance: Ex- Private New Jersey collection acquired before 1990
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#112802
Provenance: Ex- Private New Jersey collection acquired before 1990
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#112802
Condition
A large fragment with minor surface wear as shown.
Buyer's Premium
- 22.5%
Important Late Roman Marble Portrait of Constantine
Estimate $25,000 - $35,000
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Item located in Boulder County, CO, usSee Policy for Shipping
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