A Head of a Youth Lot n° 68

Greek, Hellenistic 3rd-2nd cent. B.C.. Marble. H. 9.8 cm. W. max. 6.2 cm The youthful head is turned slightly to the left. Face characterized by its oval shape, low forehead and overhanging brows. The hair is arranged in compact clusters of curls closely following the scalp and is further accentuated by a thin groove indicating a taenia or fillet. This feature was used since the end of the fourth century B.C. to identify Hellenistic rulers (as diadem), although it was also in depictions of the Greek hero Herakles, as well as victorious athletes. Condition: Surface slightly worn (especially nose and chin). Priv. coll. Germany, acquired 2002 on the Swiss art market.