SALES ARCHIVE

Marble head of Bacchus

Attributed to the Roman Imperial period, circa 1st–2nd century AD


Carved in white marble, the bearded head represents the Roman god Bacchus, identifiable by an ivy wreath adorned with prominent solid fruiting nodules, a recognised Bacchic attribute and distinct from anatomically defined horns. The hair is arranged in thick, wavy locks bound by a fillet, while the beard is composed of deeply drilled spiral curls, creating strong contrasts of light and shadow characteristic of Roman Imperial sculptural practice.

The facial expression is calm and idealised, with heavy-lidded eyes carved without drilled pupils, consistent with Roman sculpture of the early Imperial period. The reverse of the head is more summarily worked, indicating that it originally formed part of a larger sculptural or architectural ensemble, intended for frontal or three-quarter viewing.

The surface displays natural age-related wear and weathering, with softened edges, minor losses, and an irregular break at the neck. The head has been mounted at a later date on an iron rod and wooden base for display.

Provenance: European collection; acquired in Belgium.

Height with stand: approx: 85.00 cms


Dimensions
40 cms High (15.6 inches)
22 cms Wide (8.6 inches)
25 cms Deep (9.8 inches)


Stock No.: 1768

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