Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Head of a Woman
(Roman Empire )
The idealized features and elaborate hairstyle identify this sculpture as that of an elite woman in the Roman Empire during the 2nd century CE. Her eyes are almond-shaped and large, in contrast to her small downturned, more subtly rendered mouth. The most striking aspect of the portrait, however, is the elaborate hairstyle of the sitter, which was likely inspired by the women of the imperial family such as Sabina, the wife of the Emperor Hadrian (r. 117-138 CE). Pronounced waves descend from a central part down to her temples and partially cover her ears. Wrapping around the crown of her head is a thin braid that stacks upon itself four times to create height.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
Hesperia Art, Philadelphia, [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1957, by purchase.
Exhibitions
| 1978 | In Search of Ancient Treasure: 40 Years of Collecting. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. |
| 1968 | Curator's Choice from the Ancient World. The Newark Museum, Newark. |
Conservation
| Date | Description | Narrative |
|---|---|---|
| 6/21/1961 | Treatment | cleaned |
| 1/1/1992 | Treatment | technical analysis |
| 1/1/1992 | Technical Report | x-ray diffraction; other |
Geographies
Italy, Rome (Place of Origin)
Measurements
5 3/4 x 3 7/16 x 5 1/8 in. (14.6 x 8.8 x 13 cm)
Credit Line
Museum purchase, 1957
Location in Museum
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
23.213