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Portrait of Menander
Greek or Roman
Late Hellenistic or Early Roman Imperial Period
1st century B.C.–1st century A.D.
Place of Manufacture: Asia MInor
Medium/Technique
Terracotta
Dimensions
Height (max. including tondo): 7.4 cm (2 15/16 in.) Diameter (max. of tondo): 14.5 cm (5 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
William E. Nickerson Fund
Accession Number64.701
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
DescriptionFrom a tondo with triple-rolled-fillet molding, a head rises, visible as far as area behind ears and below chin. It is a portrait of Menander, the Athenian writer of comedies, 342-289 B.C. Said to have come from a tomb at Balikesir, along with at least four others of various subjects (Sarapis, satyr, etc.).
Earth, burned material (?), and remains of white slip on surface. Pupils and hair were painted dark color. Vent-hole in reverse.
Said to have come from a tomb at Balikesir, along with at least six others of various subjects (Sarapis, Pan, hetaira mask, cunning slave masks, enamored youth mask). For a plan of the tomb, see AJA 68, 1964, 164f.
Earth, burned material (?), and remains of white slip on surface. Pupils and hair were painted dark color. Vent-hole in reverse.
Said to have come from a tomb at Balikesir, along with at least six others of various subjects (Sarapis, Pan, hetaira mask, cunning slave masks, enamored youth mask). For a plan of the tomb, see AJA 68, 1964, 164f.
ProvenanceBy 1964: with J. J. Klejman, 982 Madison Avenue, New York 21, N.Y. (said to have been found in a tomb at Balikesir [Hadrianotherae in Bithynia] with about four similar tondi of divinities); purchased by MFA from J. J. Klejman, May 13, 1964