A Small Hellenistic Marble Portrait Head of a Ruler, probably Ptolemy III, circa 3rd quarter of the 3rd Century B.C.

turned slightly to his right, his oval face with large eyes, his hair arranged in two rows of curls over the forehead, the back roughly carved in a wedge shape, remains of stucco on top of the head and around the lower neck area, traces of red pigment on eyes and lips; no restorations.

Maximilian Graf (Wuppertal, 1892 - Berlin, 1959), Berlin-Schmargendorf, acquired in the 1930s or earlier
by descent to the present owners

RECORDED
black-and-white print showing the head in a vitrine filled with mostly Chinese works of art in the study of Maximilian Graf's house in Berlin, part of a photographic album documenting the entire residence sometime between 1936-1938

As described, nose chipped, minor nicks and abrasions.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For a related small-scale (14.7 cm.) portrait head thought to be of Ptolemy III Euergetes (reigned 246-222 B.C.) in the Alexandria Museum see H. Kyrieleis, Bildnisse der Ptolemäer, 1975, pp. 32ff., and 167f., no. C 1, pl. 18,1-3.

For a biographical note on Maximilian Graf see lot 67.