A Roman marble head of Hercules. Circa 2nd century A.D.

A Roman marble head of Hercules. Circa 2nd century A.D. Photo: Christie's Images Ltd.

Over-lifesized, his head turned to his left on his muscular neck, his thick luscious curls upswept from his forehead in short pointed locks, with a furrowed forehead, the deeply-set lidded eyes beneath modelled brows, his nose prominent, his full beard composed of short spiral-curling locks, his thick mustache enveloping the upper lip but for the philtrum; 16¼ in. (41.2 cm.) high. Estimate $200,000 - $300,000. Price Realized $194,500

Provenance: Private Collection, Germany.
Anonymous sale; Hampel, Munich, 25 September 1999, lot 1004.

Notes: The burly older Hercules type, with full beard and mustache and thick curly locks, is inspired by the Lysippan tradition from the 4th century B.C. This monumental head is an impressive interpretation of the type likely from the provinces of the eastern Roman empire.

Christie's. Antiquities. 9 June 2011, New York, Rockefeller Plaza www.christies.com