Bust of a Child
Roman Imperial period, 1st–2nd cent., nose and bust added in the 16th cent.
This portrait of a small child (girl or boy?) with chubby cheeks and fine, feathery hair probably had its origin as a classical Roman tomb bust. Children who had died at an early age were frequently depicted with a melancholy expression. When this piece was rediscovered, an unknown sculptor added a bust in classical style to the child’s head. The clothing, a cloak with fringes, is held together in front by a decorative knot similar to that of the goddess Isis.
This portrait of a small child (girl or boy?) with chubby cheeks and fine, feathery hair probably had its origin as a classical Roman tomb bust. Children who had died at an early age were frequently depicted with a melancholy expression. When this piece was rediscovered, an unknown sculptor added a bust in classical style to the child’s head. The clothing, a cloak with fringes, is held together in front by a decorative knot similar to that of the goddess Isis.
Time:
Roman Imperial period, 1st–2nd cent., nose and bust added in the 16th cent.
Object Name
portrait bust
Culture
Römisch
Location of discovery:
Unbekannt
Material/technology:
Marble
Dimensions:
H. (Kopf 18,5 cm): 53 cm
Copyright
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Antikensammlung
Invs.
Antikensammlung, I 1353
Provenance
Coll. Este - Catajo; in the possession of Archduke Franz Ferdinand; 1923 added to the inventory
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