Antiquities & Ethnographic Art

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Lot 222

A Roman Marble Portrait Head of the Emperor Domitian

Lot 222

A Roman Marble Portrait Head of the Emperor Domitian

Status:

Closed

Estimate: $40,000 - $60,000

Estimate$40,000 – $60,000

Status

Closed

A Roman Marble Portrait Head of the Emperor Domitian

Flavian Period, Reign of Domitian, 81-96 A.D.

Height 14 inches (35 cm).

Property from a California Private Collection

Provenance:

Private Collection, Europe, 1800s.

J.B. Collection, Switzerland, 1970s.

Sotheby's, London, Antiquities, 2 July 1996, Lot 106.

Royal Athena Galleries, New York (Art of the Ancient World, vol. XIX, no. 25), 2008.

Note:

Born the second son of emperor Vespasian and the last of the Flavian dynasty, Titus Flavius Domitianus (r. 81-96 A.D.) was known for strengthening Rome's economy, terrorizing members of the senate, and completing construction on the Colosseum. For the inauguration of the amphitheater, Domitian and his brother, Titus, held more than a hundred days of games including numerous naumachia (mock naval battles). He also constructed the hypogeum, a vast network of rooms and tunnels with advanced mechanical devices below the floor of the Colosseum. Now, instead of walking into the arena, gladiators and wild animals could emerge from anywhere using elevators and trap doors in the floor. These unprecedented special effects were sensational theatrics designed to awe Rome's audiences.

The large size of this portrait head suggests that it was for public display, perhaps alongside of one of his many other constructions.

Intact as preserved with possible restoration to the chin. Overall weathered surface with minor losses to eyebrows, nose, back of head, and ears missing. Minor chips and scratches throughout. Light incrustation and uneven surface patination as is typical in some areas. Elements to the face such as eyes and lips well preserved. The break at the neck is uneven and drilled to accommodate the rod for a black modern base, not permanently affixed. Height with base 8 inches. Overall fine stable condition.

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 for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Jacob Coley

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

jacobcoley@freemansauction.com 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.

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Antiquities & Ethnographic Art

A Roman Marble Portrait Head of the Emperor Domitian

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