HELLENISTIC PERIOD, CIRCA 3RD-2ND CENTURY B.C.

Details

A GREEK MARBLE HEAD OF A GODDESS
HELLENISTIC PERIOD, CIRCA 3RD-2ND CENTURY B.C.
Probably depicting Demeter, her wavy center-parted hair bound in a fillet across the peak of her spade-shaped forehead, with voluminous strands pulled back at her temples over her ears, the lobes exposed, long spiralling tendrils falling along her neck, wearing a veil pulled up over the back of her head, the gentle slope of her forehead merging with the bridge of her slender nose, her large eyes deeply set at their inner canthi, her full bow-shaped lips slightly parted, her chin prominent
13½ in. (34.2 c.) high

Provenance

Private Collection, South America, 1961.

Brought to you by

Molly Morse Limmer

Check the condition report or get in touch for additional information about this

MLimmer@christies.com Tel: +1 212 636 2246

If you wish to view the condition report of this lot, please sign in to your account.

View condition report

Lot Essay

The style of this head closely recalls the famous Demeter from Knidos, now in the British Museum, (pl. 79 in Ridgway, Fourth-Century Styles in Greek Sculpture). The present head differs in that her hair is bound in a fillet. For similar hair compare the head of Dionysos from the West Pediment of the Temple of Apollo, Delphi, and a head of "Ariadne" from the south slope of the Acropolis, Athens (pls. 3 and 172 in Ridgway, Hellenistic Sculpture I, The Styles of 331-200 B.C.), although neither head is veiled. For other veiled heads of Demeter compare nos. 70-71, 83, and 191 in Beschi, "Demeter," LIMC.

More from Antiquities

View All