N08810

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Lot 23
  • 23

A Marble Head of a Hellenistic Prince, circa 1st Century B.C./1st Century A.D.

Estimate
200,000 - 300,000 USD
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Description

  • A Marble Head of a Hellenistic Prince
  • Marble
  • Height 18 in. 45.7 cm.; height with bust 33 1/2 in. 85.7 cm.
formerly set into a statue of heroic size, his head turned to the left, the lips parted and eyes deep-set beneath the prominent brow, his thick wavy hair bound in a broad diadem tied in a Herakles knot, his forehead and front curls carved separately in antiquity and still extant; together with a circa 17th/18th century marble bust fitted for the head.

Provenance

Dr. Michael Miller (d. 1982), acquired in Paris, probably in the 1960s (Sotheby Parke Bernet, New York, May 20th, 1982, no. 133, illus.)
Robin Symes, Ltd., London
acquired from the above in 1984

Exhibited

Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, July 1984 - April 1989

Literature

R.R.R. Smith, Hellenistic Royal Portraits, Oxford, 1988, pp. 162-163, no. 39, pl. 28,3-4

Condition

Separately carved front of hair (illustrated online) appears to be original but with continuous losses around the edges and missing a larger portion above proper right temple, edge of proper left ear once restored in marble and with remaining iron pin, half of lower lip and nose probably once restored in plaster, back of neck cut down for insertion into modern bust, surface somewhat worn overall.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.