A Roman Marble Head Depicting Antinous, 2nd Century AD. A f...

Estimate

£80,000 - £120,000

A Roman Marble Head Depicting Antinous, 2nd Century AD.

A finely carved Roman marble head representing Antinous, dating to circa 130–140 AD. Shown with his characteristic softly modelled features, full lips, and thick, deeply drilled curling hair, the head displays the idealised beauty associated with imperial portraiture of the Hadrianic period. The marble surface shows attractive age toning throughout, with a serene expression and subtle anatomical detailing. Presented as a fragmentary head, the reverse retains the original break consistent with ancient statuary remains. A powerful and elegant example of Roman sculptural art from the High Empire.

Antinous was the beloved companion of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, whose death in the Nile in AD 130 led to one of the most remarkable deification movements of antiquity. Hadrian founded the city of Antinoopolis in his honour and commissioned countless statues, busts, and cult images across the Empire. Antinous became an emblem of youthful perfection, and his portraits—whether as a hero, god, or idealised youth—became some of the most iconic images of the classical world. His cult spread widely, and his likeness is today one of the most instantly recognisable forms in Roman art.

Height: 24.5cm
Width: 24cm
Depth: 24cm

Provenance: Accompanied by documentation spanning the 1960s–2019, including a certified statement from the Greek Orthodox Ecclesiastical Court in Amman dated 26 April 1982 confirming the piece was passed down through family heritage. Full records available to qualified buyers upon request.