Monumental feminine head - Roman Empire

Monumental feminine head - Roman Empire - 3rd-4th century AD
Roman period, 3rd - 4th century AD
Eastern provinces of the Roman Empire (Palmira?)
gray basalt
H 55 cm

Old collector's label visible in the lower right side.

Female head with idealized features. Despite the obvious characterization of oriental inspiration, this monumental head presents a stylistic language close to the Roman style diffused throughout the empire.

The hairstyle is elaborate with intertwined braids which were probably enriched by a tiara or a crown in metal or gold, as also testifies the visible hole in the upper part of the head.

The sculptures representing women presented a particularly rich ornamentation which re-elaborated fashions and models influenced by the Hellenistic and Roman West and by the Parthian and Sasanian East. This marriage of Eastern and Western motifs characterizes the unique originality of the art of Palmyra.