A ROMAN MARBLE HEAD OF ASCLEPIUS
PROPERTY FROM A NEW YORK STATE PRIVATE COLLECTION
A ROMAN MARBLE HEAD OF ASCLEPIUS

CIRCA LATE 1ST-EARLY 2ND CENTURY A.D.

Details
A ROMAN MARBLE HEAD OF ASCLEPIUS
CIRCA LATE 1ST-EARLY 2ND CENTURY A.D.
8 3/8 in. (21.3 cm.) high
Provenance
with Ariadne Galleries, New York, 1987.
Private Collection, New York, acquired from the above, 1990.

Lot Essay

Asclepius, the son of Apollo, was the god of medicine and healing in Greco-Roman mythology. He is characteristically depicted with thick, wavy locks and a full, curling beard. Interestingly, Asclepius shares many facial characteristics with representations of Jupiter. Both deities exhibit a serene demeanor that belies a paternal compassion fitting for these male divinities. For a similar representation of the god see no. 47 in B. Holtzmann, "Asklepios," LIMC, Vol II.

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