Gallo-Roman Limestone Head of a Youthful Figure - 62.9 mm
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Current bid
€ 100
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 600 - € 750
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Gallo‑Roman limestone head of a youthful figure, circa 1st–3rd century AD, 62.9 mm high (165 g), authentic original on a modern display stand, in very good condition with provenance from France and acquired at auction in 2026.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Gallo-Roman Limestone Head of a Youthful Figure
Culture: Gallo-Roman
Period: Roman Imperial Period
Date: Circa 1st–3rd century AD
Material: Limestone
Object: Sculpted head
Height: 62.9 mm (excluding modern stand)
Weight: 165 g (excluding stand)
Description:
A finely carved Gallo-Roman limestone head representing a youthful, idealised figure, possibly female.
Despite the considerable surface erosion, several distinctive sculptural features remain clearly preserved.
The face is characterised by large, deeply drilled eyes, while the hair is arranged in prominent, carefully carved locks extending around the sides and back of the head.
Of particular interest is a raised band running across the forehead beneath the coiffure, possibly representing a diadem or fillet. Such elements occur in Roman provincial representations of youthful and divine figures. The combination of the elaborate coiffure and strongly emphasised eyes gives the small sculpture a particularly expressive appearance.
The head is carved fully in the round, including the hair at the sides and back, indicating that it originally formed part of a three-dimensional sculptural composition rather than a relief.
The exact identity and gender of the represented figure remain uncertain. The youthful features and possible diadem may suggest an idealised or divine subject; however, no specific identification can be securely established.
Condition:
Fragmentary, as shown. Extensive surface erosion and weathering have softened much of the original facial modelling, particularly the nose, mouth and other projecting areas, while the more deeply carved elements of the eyes and coiffure remain better preserved.
Scattered mineral and earthen deposits are present across the surface.
The head is presented on a modern display stand. A drilled hole beneath the neck relates to the modern mounting of the piece.
Please refer carefully to the photographs for the condition and state of preservation.
Provenance:
French private collection, acquired in the 1970s.
Gallo-Roman Limestone Head of a Youthful Figure
Culture: Gallo-Roman
Period: Roman Imperial Period
Date: Circa 1st–3rd century AD
Material: Limestone
Object: Sculpted head
Height: 62.9 mm (excluding modern stand)
Weight: 165 g (excluding stand)
Description:
A finely carved Gallo-Roman limestone head representing a youthful, idealised figure, possibly female.
Despite the considerable surface erosion, several distinctive sculptural features remain clearly preserved.
The face is characterised by large, deeply drilled eyes, while the hair is arranged in prominent, carefully carved locks extending around the sides and back of the head.
Of particular interest is a raised band running across the forehead beneath the coiffure, possibly representing a diadem or fillet. Such elements occur in Roman provincial representations of youthful and divine figures. The combination of the elaborate coiffure and strongly emphasised eyes gives the small sculpture a particularly expressive appearance.
The head is carved fully in the round, including the hair at the sides and back, indicating that it originally formed part of a three-dimensional sculptural composition rather than a relief.
The exact identity and gender of the represented figure remain uncertain. The youthful features and possible diadem may suggest an idealised or divine subject; however, no specific identification can be securely established.
Condition:
Fragmentary, as shown. Extensive surface erosion and weathering have softened much of the original facial modelling, particularly the nose, mouth and other projecting areas, while the more deeply carved elements of the eyes and coiffure remain better preserved.
Scattered mineral and earthen deposits are present across the surface.
The head is presented on a modern display stand. A drilled hole beneath the neck relates to the modern mounting of the piece.
Please refer carefully to the photographs for the condition and state of preservation.
Provenance:
French private collection, acquired in the 1970s.
Details
Culture
Gallo-Roman
Century/timeframe
Circa 1st–3rd century AD
Name of object
Head of a Youthful Figure
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Limestone
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
62.9 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1970
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
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.
