Roman 2nd cent. A.D. Marble.

H. 8 17/64 in; 21 cm W. max. 5 25/ 32 in; 14.7 cm

Large, almond-shaped eyes under upper lids extending almost as far as the temples dominate this youthful face of unspecific sex. The drilled iris was possibly inlaid in a different material so that the gaze would originally have been even more haunting. The pronounced mouth opening is accentuated by a vertical drill channel. Short, crescent-shaped strands of hair frame the slightly protruding forehead. Reverse roughly smoothed. The face in all probability comes from an architectural context, possibly from a relief frieze (point of contact visible on the right). The strikingly elongated eyelids could be evidence of a Gorgon's face, such as were frequently mounted on temples and public buildings for apotropaic purposes.

Minor areas of wear and superficial abrasion, esp. to the nose and hair. Brownish discoloration on the surface.

Formerly French priv. coll., 1986. Thereafter Aphrodite Ancient Art, New York, Auction 12.12.2016, lot 17.