Marble Portrait of a Young Boy

Culture: Roman Empire

Period: 1st century B.C. to 1st century A.D.

Material: Marble

Dimensions: 21 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 3428

Provenance: Belgian private collection U.C., acquired in the 1950s. Since then in a diplomatic family estate.

Condition: Ears and nose worn, left of the back of the head an old chip. At the very back a smooth chip which ascribes to the collection history. Overall, however, a particularly high quality head with a strong expression.

Description: Rare, high-quality and life-size portrait of a boy of about three years old, stylistically dated to the Julio-Claudian dynasty. The childlike proportions with chubby cheeks and the soft features are very well captured. The lively gaze and the slightly pinched mouth with the tight lower lip characterize him as a vigilant observer. The back of the head is dominant and covered by short, wavy hair reaching to the forehead. Numerous root traces, mounted.