Greece, Cyprus, Hellenistic Period, ca. 3rd to 1st century BCE. Carved from a piece of limestone of creamy off-white hues with areas of russet pigment remaining, a head of a votary or dedicant youth depicted with a mesmerizing visage presenting strong features including large, almond shaped eyes lined with heavy lids and framed by arched brows that gracefully merge with the bridge of his slender aquiline nose, strong cheekbones, and full, slightly-parted lips - this countenance topped by wavy, perhaps braided hair. The ancients placed figural statues of votaries in temples as acts of supplication to deities. This is a beautifully modeled example depicting a beardless male, carved in a style that demonstrates strong Hellenistic characteristics, particularly in the delineation of the eyes and hair. Size: 8" H (20.3 cm); 11.25" H (28.6 cm) on included custom stand.

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. This particular head may have represented a votary, one who has made vows to religious service, an athlete, or someone who had earned this distinction for other reasons. It is also possible that he was not intended to depict a known person, but rather an idealized figure. The Greek veneration of male youths is an artistic constant (and the veneration of youth - and a particular kind of young male beauty - are definitely identifiable in most cultures, including our own). This piece comes to us from one of the last periods when Cypriot artisans produced limestone art. The availability of marble and bronze statuary from other parts of the 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 came to a demise, replaced by works from outside the island.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex Secret Eye Gallery, New York, USA, acquired in the 1970s; acquired at Bonhams London Sale 13686 - Sale Antiquities New Bond Lot No: 355

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 to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#129681

Nose repaired with areas of restoration. Old losses to chin and peripheries. Surface wear with abraded areas and areas of sea encrustation. Back of head was probably not intended to be finished but rather set in a niche.