Description:
A wonderful terracotta mask with a very strong, expressive face. The man depicted has a large nose, eyes that are quite piercing below his furrowed brows, and pursed lips. Remains of his curly hair are visible on his forehead. Traces of the original stucco with which the face was plastered, showing remnants of blue in the eyes.
The mask was manufactured in Alexandria, Egypt, and dates from the early Roman period of Egypt (circa 1st century B.C. - 1st century C.E.), roughly the time of Cleopatra, Marcus Anthonius and Julius Caesar.
It has been suggested to us that this face once decorated a vessel. If that is correct, it must have been a gigantic vessel; in any case it is a fantastic face!
Dating:
Circa 1st century B.C. - 1st century C.E.
Size:
Height ca. 15.5 cm, width ca. 12 cm; height including stand ca. 23.5 cm.
Provenance:
Private collection; previously with Artemis Gallery; previously US private collection, bought in the 1960s.
Condition:
Fragment in excellent condition as shown. Mounted on a custom stand.
SOLD
Stock number:
E0681