Gallo-Roman Limestone Head of a Youthful Figure - 62.9 mm

Gallo-Roman Limestone Head of a Youthful Figure Culture: Gallo-Roman Period: Roman Imperial Period Date: Circa 1st–3rd century AD Material: Limestone Object: Sculpted head Height: 62.9 mm (excluding modern stand) Weight: 165 g (excluding stand) Description: A finely carved Gallo-Roman limestone head representing a youthful, idealised figure, possibly female. Despite the considerable surface erosion, several distinctive sculptural features remain clearly preserved. The face is characterised by large, deeply drilled eyes, while the hair is arranged in prominent, carefully carved locks extending around the sides and back of the head. Of particular interest is a raised band running across the forehead beneath the coiffure, possibly representing a diadem or fillet. Such elements occur in Roman provincial representations of youthful and divine figures. The combination of the elaborate coiffure and strongly emphasised eyes gives the small sculpture a particularly expressive appearance. The head is carved fully in the round, including the hair at the sides and back, indicating that it originally formed part of a three-dimensional sculptural composition rather than a relief. The exact identity and gender of the represented figure remain uncertain. The youthful features and possible diadem may suggest an idealised or divine subject; however, no specific identification can be securely established. Condition: Fragmentary, as shown. Extensive surface erosion and weathering have softened much of the original facial modelling, particularly the nose, mouth and other projecting areas, while the more deeply carved elements of the eyes and coiffure remain better preserved. Scattered mineral and earthen deposits are present across the surface. The head is presented on a modern display stand. A drilled hole beneath the neck relates to the modern mounting of the piece. Please refer carefully to the photographs for the condition and state of preservation. Provenance: French private collection, acquired in the 1970s.

Estimate:£505.91

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