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Portrait of a bearded curly-haired man
Roman
Imperial Period
Late 2nd century A.D.
Medium/Technique
Marble from Göktepe, Turkey (near Aphrodisias)
Dimensions
H: 33.2 cm (13 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Collection of Peter and Widgie Aldrich and Museum purchase with funds donated by Leon Levy and Shelby White and Cornelius and Emily Vermeule
Accession Number2000.827
OUT ON LOAN
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
DescriptionThis individual of the late second century A.D. is shown with short, curly hair and a long beard. The hair, which is modeled with drill holes and drill channels, forms clumps beside the temples and on top of the forehead.The beard, which is also articulated with drill channels, hangs down in long strands. Touches of red paint survive in the pupils, which like the irises are indicated sculpturally. Two long wrinkles cross the forehead, and the eyes look upwards and to the side.
The head is in good condition but for the loss of the lower part of the beard on one side and for a few minor abrasions.
Scientific Analysis:
University of South Florida Lab No. 8436: Isotope ratios - delta13C +2.6 / delta18O -3.0,
Attribution - probably Göktepe 3, Turkey (near Aphrodisias), possibly Carrara. Justification - C and O isotopes, fine grain
The head is in good condition but for the loss of the lower part of the beard on one side and for a few minor abrasions.
Scientific Analysis:
University of South Florida Lab No. 8436: Isotope ratios - delta13C +2.6 / delta18O -3.0,
Attribution - probably Göktepe 3, Turkey (near Aphrodisias), possibly Carrara. Justification - C and O isotopes, fine grain
Provenance1973, sold by Robin Symes, Ltd., London, to Ariel and John Herrmann, London; 2000, sold by Ariel Herrmann, through Brian Aitken (dealer; b. 1952 - d. 2009), Acanthus Ancient Art, New York, to Peter and Widgie Aldrich, Rhode Island (partial interest) and the MFA (partial interest). (Accession Date: September 20, 2000)