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Fragmentary head from a herm (?)
Greek
Transitional Period or Late Hellenistic Period
about 465 B.C. or later
Medium/Technique
Marble, Greek, fully crystalline
Dimensions
height x width (max.): 12.2 x 18.5 cm (4 13/16 x 7 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. William de Forest Thomson
Accession Number18.426
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
Catalogue Raisonné
Sculpture in Stone (MFA), no. 027.
DescriptionWavy strands radiate from the crown and end, in front of the narrow fillet, in a double row of spiral or corkscrew curls. What survives has a fresh surface, with some damage and wear, and a pleasing light yellow patina. If from a herm rather than a life-sized statue, the subject ought to be Hermes or Dionysos rather than Apollo. The top and brow of the head were damaged in antiquity, the fragment as preserved having been fitted to the rest of the face by a dowel and repaired in stucco (?) between forehead and fillet.
ProvenanceFrom Athens.