Lot 722
Head of Dionysios in "Giallo Antico" Marble. Roman, 1st century BC. - 1st century AD. The marble a mustard-tan color, slightly pinkish at the top. The features of the god are elegant and very refined -- almost feminine. His hair swept up towards the back of his head, and wreathed with vine leaves and berry or grape clusters. The face shows advanced weathering to one side, perhaps coming out of a watery environment. Nevertheless, this only enhances the delicate, serene gaze on the other. A splendid object for those who like their antiquities to look both old and beautiful, plus in a rare material too. Height: 3-3/4"", on custom stand.
Estimated Value $950 - 1,450.
Giallo Antico (Marmo Di Numidia) was quarried in Numidia near the ancient City of Symittius (now Chemton, Tunisia). The quarries were first operated by the Numidian kings, and then later by the Romans, with whom this material was immediately popular. With them the material saw widespread use from the end of the second century B.C. on. Later, the Roman emperors used the stone for their lavish building projects, including the Forum of Augustus (c. 12 BC.) and the Pantheon (c. 130 A.D.).
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| Realized $1,093 |
