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Lot 11
A head of the youthful Dionysus
Estimated Value:
6.000 € - 10.000 €
Result:
19.425 € incl. Premium and VAT
Description:
Hellenistic to early imperial 3rd-2nd century BC to 1st century AD.H. 14 cm (o.S.)
The small marble head is intact. It is preserved up to the lower part of the neck and was probably made for insertion into a robed figure, for example. The marble inclusions lend the head a warm, slightly blotchy golden lustre. The head, which is much smaller than life-size, is orientated frontally. It is the face of a youthful man with almost feminine features with his full cheeks. Only the vigorous chin identifies him as a man. The eyes have no indication of irises, the rims of the eyes are clearly set off. Sparse drillings were made at the corners of the eyes, the ears, the corners of the mouth and the nostrils. The same applies to some parts of the crown of hair. The üpige mouth is closed. The full head of hair is parted in the centre and pulled back at the sides and gathered into a knot. Behind the ears and at the nape of the neck, curly strands run down onto the shoulders. Above the forehead he wears a hoop that disappears into the hair on both sides. Above this is another twisted band, to the right and left of which the ivy leaf and fruit wreath is attached, reaching down to the knot. The youthful Dionysus is depicted. The god is clearly characterised by the wreath of ivy leaves and fronds in his hair, as well as the narrow headband and the locks of hair on his shoulders.
Formerly from the collection of Prof. Dr Dieter Klaus (1927-2025), who acquired this head from Galerie Arete on 1 December 1992 (expertise and invoice available)
It resembles the Woburn Abbey type, whose cheek parts are just as soft and broad, but the head is tilted to its right side. (according to Pochmarski, C/1, p. 66). From the 3rd century BC, the Dionysus of Thasos can be compared with the above head, also a youthful god, which is dated to the beginning of the 3rd century BC. (Cf. Charbonneaux, p. 244, no. 262). Like the carefully crafted Dionysus described above, it too radiates a gentleness that speaks of an almost feminine grace and conscious serenity.
Lit.: E. Pochmarkski, Das Bild des Dionysos in der Rundplastik der klassischen Zeit. Diss. Graz 1969 (1974). P. Zanker, Klassizistische Statuen, 1974). J. Charbonneaux, Das Hellenistische Griechenland, 1977 - Slightly chipped
