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Head of a god or youth

Cypriote
Late Archaic Period, Transitional in style
about 500–450 B.C.

Medium/Technique Hard, light limestone (?); not the usual whitish type
Dimensions 10.8 cm (4 1/4 in.)
Credit Line Museum purchase with funds donated by subscription
Accession Number72.323
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsSculpture

Catalogue Raisonné Sculpture in Stone (MFA), no. 433; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 117 (additional published references).
DescriptionOther than slight damage to the nose, the head is in excellent condition.
The face is enframed by an elaborate row of curls, and the hair is arranged in regular ridges running forward behind it. A fillet with a Herakles knot in front encircles the top of the head.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with General Luigi Palma di Cesnola (from Cyprus); May 16, 1872: purchased by MFA from General Luigi Palma di Cesnola for
$ 1,704.39 (this figure is the total price for MFA 72.1-72.473 and 72.4871-72.4900)