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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1992.256.83
Title
Head of a Bearded Male
Other Titles
Former Title: Head of a Satyr or Barbarian
Classification
Sculpture
Work Type
head, sculpture
Date
n.d.
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Asia, Anatolia
Culture
Unidentified culture
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/311850

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Leaded bronze
Technique
Cast, lost-wax process
Dimensions
2 cm (13/16 in.)
Technical Details

Chemical Composition: ICP-MS/AAA data from sample, Leaded Bronze:
Cu, 65.4; Sn, 9.38; Pb, 24.14; Zn, 0.001; Fe, 0.17; Ni, 0.06; Ag, 0.06; Sb, 0.22; As, 0.5; Bi, less than 0.025; Co, 0.068; Au, less than 0.01; Cd, less than 0.001
J. Riederer

Technical Observations: The patina is black with pale green in low areas. The bottom of the neck does not appear to be broken off, which suggests that the head was cast separately and is primarily intact with possibly only minor losses.

The head is a solid cast, probably by the lost-wax process, with the modeling done in the wax prior to casting. The bottom of the neck tapers inward and is squared off as if to join to a body.


Carol Snow (submitted 2002)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Louise M. and George E. Bates, Camden, ME (by 1971-1992), gift; to the Harvard University Art Museums, 1992.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Louise M. and George E. Bates
Accession Year
1992
Object Number
1992.256.83
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
This small head depicts a bearded male. His hair forms a widow’s peak and is rendered in thick locks. The facial features are very strong, with high-arched eyebrows, a bulbous nose, and a frowning mouth. The back of the head is flat and featureless.

Subjects and Contexts

  • Ancient Bronzes

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