A South Arabian Alabaster Head of a Woman

Circa 2nd Century B.C.-1st Century A.D.

Height 11 3/4 inches (29.8 cm).

Property from a Private Connecticut Collection

Provenance:

Asfar Brothers, Beirut, 1960s-1970s.

Private Collection, Belgium, prior to 1990.

Art Market, New York, prior to 2014.

(Art Loss Register no. 9298.WK)

Exhibited:

London, Regent's Park, Frieze Masters, 6-9 October 2016.

This preserved female head was once part of a statue and is a fine example of South Arabian dedicatory art. The face of the figure is carved in a beautifully ovoid manner with delicate cheekbones, a flaring nose, and a mouth carved in low relief. Below are gently cut pursed lips. Two graceful sweeping arcs form the brow line, complemented by incised eyebrows; its almond-shaped eyes are inlaid with limestone and the remnants of shell partly fill the pupil. The hair is skillfully executed, overlying the forehead in low relief and cut to accentuate the coiffure, sweeping downwards and widening towards the area of the shoulders. Its aesthetic properties demonstrate the careful selection of the calcite material, elegantly stratified and expertly contoured to produce the form. The surface is carefully polished with a fine shine and overall finish.

Inspected under UV light and 10x loupe. Symmetrical gouges on proper right and left face appear intentional. Drill holes through both ears. Several surface cracks which do not affect overall stability. Several attractive veins clearly visible in stone. Mineral deposits in crevices particularly in eyebrows and around eyes. Uneven surface patination with areas of orange and brown. Area of proper right eye appears restored. Head rests on modern stand to which it is not affixed. Overall in fine and stable condition. See additional images.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Jacob Coley

Senior Vice President, Head of Department, Antiquities and Ancient Art

[email protected]312 280 1212

Mr. Coley joined the Antiquities department in 2021 after working as Managing Director in the Ancient Art department at Colnaghi, the world’s oldest commercial art gallery, where he helped to establish the Ancient Art department and launched Colnaghi New York in 2017. Prior to Colnaghi, Mr. Coley was in the Greek and Roman Art department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Mr. Coley holds a B.A. from the University of Miami and an M.A. in Art Market from the Fashion Institute of Technology, and he earned an art-appraisal certificate from New York University.

Antiquities & Ancient Art

A South Arabian Alabaster Head of a Woman

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup