Ancient Roman, Empire Marble Marble head - 13.5 cm
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 4,000 - € 6,000
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Roman antique marble head of Bacchus, dating to the II–III century AD, about 13.5 cm high, in very good condition with an ivory–honey patina, provenance from private Belgian collection and previously from a Paris private collection, authentic/original with certificate.
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Description from the seller
ATTENTION for non EU buyers: No shipping outside the European Union!
Young Bacchus marble head
Roman era, 2nd – 3rd century AD
Height: 13.5 cm (without the base).
Description:
Elegant marble-white head depicting the god Bacchus (Dionysus) in his youthful aspect. The face, treated according to aesthetic canons inherited from Hellenistic art, shows harmonious and idealized features: almond-shaped eyes with finely drawn lids, a straight nose, full lips slightly ajar, and a delicately modeled chin.
The serene and dreamy expression gives the whole piece great softness. The abundant hair is arranged in broad wavy strands framing the face. It is held by a frontal band above which remain the vestiges of a vegetal crown, probably composed of ivy or grape leaves, emblematic attributes of the god of wine, fertility, and sacred intoxication.
The generous volumes of the coiffure and the deliberately androgynous character of the face fit perfectly with the Bacchus representations spread across the Roman Empire. This sculpture is part of the tradition of late Greek models that were taken up and adapted by Roman workshops. It likely belonged to a statue of larger dimensions or to villa decor where Dionysian worship and imagery occupied a privileged place.
The marble preserves a beautiful old patina with ivory and honey tones, elegantly highlighting the modelling of the face and the details of the coiffure.
Condition:
Very good overall condition. Wear and surface erosion consistent with age. Old break at the base of the neck. A few minor gaps affecting the reliefs of the vegetal crown.
Provenance:
Former private collection of Mr. H. B., Paris.
Then former Belgian private collection of Mr. A. D., formed in the 1990s.
An invoice and a certificate of authenticity from the expert will be provided to the buyer.
The object will be shipped and insured by DHL Express.
Warning:
No shipping outside the European Union.
The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object.
The seller will not ship outside the EU.
Seller's Story
Founded in 1978, the gallery is dedicated to classical archaeology and ancient numismatics.
It is located in Brussels, in the historic Sablon district, a leading spot of the European antique market.
Translated by Google TranslateATTENTION for non EU buyers: No shipping outside the European Union!
Young Bacchus marble head
Roman era, 2nd – 3rd century AD
Height: 13.5 cm (without the base).
Description:
Elegant marble-white head depicting the god Bacchus (Dionysus) in his youthful aspect. The face, treated according to aesthetic canons inherited from Hellenistic art, shows harmonious and idealized features: almond-shaped eyes with finely drawn lids, a straight nose, full lips slightly ajar, and a delicately modeled chin.
The serene and dreamy expression gives the whole piece great softness. The abundant hair is arranged in broad wavy strands framing the face. It is held by a frontal band above which remain the vestiges of a vegetal crown, probably composed of ivy or grape leaves, emblematic attributes of the god of wine, fertility, and sacred intoxication.
The generous volumes of the coiffure and the deliberately androgynous character of the face fit perfectly with the Bacchus representations spread across the Roman Empire. This sculpture is part of the tradition of late Greek models that were taken up and adapted by Roman workshops. It likely belonged to a statue of larger dimensions or to villa decor where Dionysian worship and imagery occupied a privileged place.
The marble preserves a beautiful old patina with ivory and honey tones, elegantly highlighting the modelling of the face and the details of the coiffure.
Condition:
Very good overall condition. Wear and surface erosion consistent with age. Old break at the base of the neck. A few minor gaps affecting the reliefs of the vegetal crown.
Provenance:
Former private collection of Mr. H. B., Paris.
Then former Belgian private collection of Mr. A. D., formed in the 1990s.
An invoice and a certificate of authenticity from the expert will be provided to the buyer.
The object will be shipped and insured by DHL Express.
Warning:
No shipping outside the European Union.
The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object.
The seller will not ship outside the EU.
Seller's Story
Founded in 1978, the gallery is dedicated to classical archaeology and ancient numismatics.
It is located in Brussels, in the historic Sablon district, a leading spot of the European antique market.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/timeframe
I - IIIème siècle A. D.
Name of object
Marble head
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Marble
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
13.5 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
