Head of Apollo

myminifactory

The robust deity turns his head to the right, a laurel wreath encircling his thick, richly textured hair as curls spill onto his forehead and locks are drawn up into a top-knot secured behind in a low chignon with loose tendrils falling onto his neck. His oval face is characterized by large almond-shaped eyes with thick upper lids deeply drilled at the inner canthi, a closed mouth slightly curved upward in a smile, standing 32cm tall. Provenance: A private collection in Germany since 1964. The lavish curls of this present piece are typical of early Antonine style, with deeply drilled and abundantly full locks piled high atop the head. During the Antonine period, sculpture emphasized drill work to create richly textured, plastically rendered curls contrasted with the smoothly polished face of the subject. For an Apollo with a similarly rounded face and calm demeanor, as well as a high laurel wreath, see Ny Carlsberg Glyptothek in Copenhagen, inv. no. 1612. This present piece likely represents Apollo Kitharoidos, that is, Apollo holding the kithara, a depiction emphasizing his role as god of music. Part of the Bonhams Antiquities Sale at New Bond Street in London on July 6th, 2017, Lot 135 A ROMAN MARBLE HEAD OF APOLLO. Predicted price: £50,000-£70,000.