| Date | 120–130 A.D. |
|---|---|
| Object type | sculpture |
| Medium, technique | carved, marble |
| Dimensions | height: 29.5 cm, width: 19.7 cm, depth: 22 cm |
| Inventory number | 3940 |
| Collection | Classical Antiquities |
| On view | Museum of Fine Arts, Basement Floor, Classical Antiquity, The ancient Mediterranean |
This head was carved after a famous Greek statue of the 4th century BC. We do not know whom the original piece portrayed but in the following centuries this became one of the most popular types representing young girls, with a number of ancient adaptations known.
The portrait does not show individual features. The smooth skin and the carefully combed hair indicate that the girl is well-groomed and rich – thus the focus is on her social standing. The head was reworked in antiquity: based on traces of carving at the back, it was originally veiled.
Marble analyses have shown that the portrait was made of Pentelic marble.
This record is subject to revision due to ongoing research.
