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Molded terracotta head of a young man

Mottled red-orange and beige terracotta with traces of white paint is molded into the form of the head and neck of a young man. A wreath of laurels stretches in a band over the top of his head and behind his ears. Wavy hair hangs low on his forehead, framing his face. He faces forward with a blank expression and his almond shaped eyes lack indications for pupils. His sturdy neck flares out at the bottom to form a base.

Identification and Creation

Object Number
1928.112
Title
Head of a Young Man
Classification
Sculpture
Work Type
sculpture
Date
4th-3rd century BCE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Europe, Etruria
Period
Classical period, Late, to Hellenistic
Culture
Etruscan
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/292349

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Terracotta
Technique
Mold-made
Dimensions
23 × 15 cm (9 1/16 × 5 7/8 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Friends of the Fogg Art Museum Fund
Accession Year
1928
Object Number
1928.112
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description
Complete votive head, in mostly good condition.

The head of a young man, facing forward with a slight turn to the left. He wears a narrow wreath or cape placed at his crown and behind his ears. Wavy hair with distinct, thin locks, falls onto the forehead and covers the tops of the ears. Short forehead, with prominent brow. Small, almond-shaped eyes with distinct upper and lower lids rendered in relief; no pupils modeled or incised. Mostly straight nose with the slightest hint of a bump or an aquiline bridge, and a small tip. Closed mouth with full lips. Prominent, rounded chin with large circular dimple, meets an attractive, thick neck, which widens to form a rim. Idealized, mostly inexpressive, but with some individuality.

Would have been painted originally, now only a few traces of white ground are extant.

Hollow. Mold-made in a single-sided mold. The wreath or cape appears to be a separate addition, attached with a tool. A plain slab forms the back.

Finely levigated clay; hard-fired.

Related Works

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu