A Portrait Herm of Euripides Lot n° 54

Roman 2nd half of 2nd cent. A.D.. Marble. H. 25.5 cm. W. 16 cm. D. 10.7 cm Portrait of Euripides (ca. 480-406 B.C.), the celebrated tragedian to whom famous dramas such as Medea, Elektra and Orestes are attributed. The portrait type exemplified by our specimen has come down to us most famously in a portrait herm from the Farnese Collection that is inscribed with the poet's name, as well as in several replicas showing only the head. All these sculptures probably refer back to a Late Classical original sculpted in ca. 340-330 B.C. Euripides is portrayed as an elderly man with carefully groomed full beard and fairly long hair which forms compact, slightly wavy strands. These radiate from a single point at the back of the head and are combed forwards over the forehead. The broad face is characterized by narrow eyes with incised iris and drilled pupil, almost horizontal brows and a small mouth with full lips framed by a bushy moustache. The sagging flesh and prominent cheekbones make for a life-like appearance. Condition: The left shoulder of the ancient bust is preserved; the lost sections of the bust as well as the tip of the nose are restorations dating from the 18th century. A few superficial abrasions, otherwise very well preserved. Formerly European priv. coll., 18th century (based on the restoration techniques). Thereafter English priv. coll., acquired in the late 1970s/early 1980s. With Galerie Chenel, Paris, acquired from David Cambridge, Cheltenham. French priv. coll., acquired from Galerie Chenel in 1999/2000. Starting price: 38000 CHF