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Limestone head of a bearded man

early 6th century BCE
Not on view
The head belonged to a figure of over lifesize proportions. The conical cap, identifying him as an individual of high rank, appears at the end of the eighth century B.C. in the Levant and had reached Cyprus by the mid-seventh century B.C. It is characterized by a protuberance at the top and flaps at the sides that could be let down or fastened up by the ties ending in tassels. While, unfortunately, nothing of the body remains, the head represents a very early and impressive example of this figural type. The articulation of the beard, with its round, generalized curls, is often interpreted as an indication of the influence of terracotta sculpture on stoneworking.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Limestone head of a bearded man
  • Period: Archaic
  • Date: early 6th century BCE
  • Culture: Cypriot
  • Medium: Limestone
  • Dimensions: 35 × 14 × 23 in., 500 lb. (88.9 × 35.6 × 58.4 cm, 226.8 kg)
  • Classification: Stone Sculpture
  • Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
  • Object Number: 74.51.2857
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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ca. 550–525 BCE
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