Early Roman, ca. 1st century BCE to 1st century CE. A stunning stone relief depicting the bust of a ravishing female, perhaps a goddess, facing front with almond-shaped eyes, an aquiline nose, closed full lips, and delicate facial contours topped by a centrally-parted coiffure adorned by a diadem with two braids falling to her shoulders. Her elegant long neck was graced with a necklace and meets a swag of drapery covering her busom. This high relief emerges from a rectangular panel with a scalloped detail below the bust. Size: 8" L x 8.25" W x 18" H (20.3 cm x 21 cm x 45.7 cm); 22.25" H (56.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Roman sculptors were particularly skilled at capturing optical effects of light and shadow in order to attain greater realism and as time went on more impressionistic, abstract forms. This example, provides a window onto the style and technique of early Roman sculpture, skillfully carved in relief, inviting our eyes to appreciate the desire to capture naturalism in Classical Art. The sculptor of this piece truly knew how to make stone come to life!

Provenance: East Coast, USA collection; ex major New York Gallery before 2011

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#157782

Minor resurfacing of the cheeks. No restoration to the nose. Panel has a few expected chips/losses and abraded areas commensurate with age. Depression on top center suggests there may have been an attachment; there is some material added later presumably for adhering attachment. Back of panel is uncarved and has ancient drill marks for attachment. Bust presents with minor chips/losses to peripheries of ears, nose, necklace, diadem, and other high-pointed areas. Overall, the piece presents with normal surface wear and darkening commensurate with age, but is remarkably well preserved with scattered deposits.