A Colored Marble Herm Head of Dionysos, Roman Imperial, 1st/2nd Century A.D.

based on a Greek prototype of the 5th Century B.C. close to the Hermes Propylaios by Alkamenes, with long wavy beard and moustache, full lips, and deep-set eyes, his hair arranged in rows of curls over the forehead, falling in tiered wavy tresses at the sides, and surmounted by a diadem.

acquired in the 19th Century
by descent to the present owners

As shown, beard is repaired in a broad arc passing under the lower lip, end of nose restored evidently in marble, upper lip and eyes worn (the latter perhaps never fully finished and not well-defined), top of diadem chipped, hair falling behind ears is broken at the ends, hair chipped in places, moustache and nostril worn down on proper right side, surface somewhat worn but some encrustation remains, the back carved flat. Large areas of the stone have a reddish tint, unlike the catalogue photo.
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.

For typologically related colored marble examples in Dresden, London, Toulouse, and Rome see H. Gregarek, "Untersuchungen zur kaiserzeitlichen Idealplastik aus Buntmarmor," Kölner Jahrbuch für Vor- und Frühgeschichte, vol. 32, 1999, p. 215, nos. D26-D31.