A ROMAN MARBLE PORTRAIT HEAD OF A BOY, CIRCA EARLY 1ST CENTURY A.D. | A Roman Marble Portrait Head of a Boy

turned slightly to his right, his eyes drilled in the inner corners, his hair radiating from the crown and falling in comma-shaped locks over the temples, forehead, and nape of the neck; left ear and tip of nose with upper lip restored in marble, rim of right ear in plaster, underside of neck polished for attachment to a statue or bust.

European private collection, circa 18th Century (based on restoration techniques)
French private collection, acquired prior to 1960 (Drouot, Paris, Auction Art, Rémy le Fur & Associés, November 27th, 2015, no. 87, illus., on a 1920s/30s varnished block-shaped wood base)

As described. Surface slightly worn overall. Hair abraded in places. Areas of staining on forehead where incrustation was heavier. Tip of nose and upper lip restored as a single piece of marble. Plaster restoration on rim of proper right ear now missing. Section of edge of restored proper left ear restored in painted plaster. Stable stress crack runs from top of head to outer corner of proper right eye.
"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."

Cf. a portrait of a boy sold at Sotheby, London, December 13th-14th, 1990, no. 278.