Red Jasper Head of Mars

Culture: Roman

Period: 1st-2nd century A.D.

Material: Red Jasper

Dimensions: 3 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 3616

Provenance: From an old New York private collection. Thence in the inventory of the liquidated gallery Fortuna Fine Arts.

Condition: Unrestored. White crystalline encrustation, a small ancient wear on the helmet calotte and at the bottom of the neck. Otherwise excellently preserved.

Description: Detailed, small head of Mars made of red jasper. The god of war with elevated, noble features is determinedly looking straight ahead. The thick beard with curls. His hair is parted in the centre and protrudes under the Corinthian helmet which is far pulled into the forehead. The neck is cylindrical and smooth and projects slightly at the bottom, suggesting that the head was once part of a composite statue. Of high quality. Mounted.