Ancient Roman Bronze Portrait Head of Young Woman

Period: 100-200

Origin: Italy

Medium: Bronze

Dimension: 15 x 7 x 6 cm (5⁷/₈ x 2³/₄ x 2³/₈ inches)

Provenance: Ex Private Oxfordshire collection
Acquired from Rupert Wace

Literature: The marble portrait and historical relief are among the original creations of Roman art which were echoed in bronze sculptures. The imitation of the face closely followed nature and were often accurate revelations of the character of the person being portrayed. The appearance of Roman Imperial rulers and their wives detailed in official portraits set the fashion for men and women throughout the Empire. Their clothes and hairstyles would be copied and worn by all who aspired to the Imperial Court.

Exhibition: The marble portrait and historical relief are among the original creations of Roman art which were echoed in bronze sculptures. The imitation of the face closely followed nature and were often accurate revelations of the character of the person being portrayed. The appearance of Roman Imperial rulers and their wives detailed in official portraits set the fashion for men and women throughout the Empire. Their clothes and hairstyles would be copied and worn by all who aspired to the Imperial Court.