Lot Essay
It has been suggested that this bust represents Midas, the mythological king of Phrygia. Midas was given the ears of an ass by Apollo when he judged a musical contest in favor of Pan rather than Apollo.
CIRCA 2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
Details
A ROMAN MARBLE BUST
circa 2nd-3rd century a.d.
Depicting a beared man with thick, deeply-drilled curls, wearing a conical cap, his pointed animal ears prominently exposed, his eyes with heavy lids below a curving brow, wearing a cloak, on an integral pedestal base, some red pigment still preserved, including on the lips, within the ears, on the cloak and on the pedestal
13 in. (33 cm) high
circa 2nd-3rd century a.d.
Depicting a beared man with thick, deeply-drilled curls, wearing a conical cap, his pointed animal ears prominently exposed, his eyes with heavy lids below a curving brow, wearing a cloak, on an integral pedestal base, some red pigment still preserved, including on the lips, within the ears, on the cloak and on the pedestal
13 in. (33 cm) high