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Marble portrait head of a woman

early 3rd century CE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 169
The portrait is one of great character, reflecting the personality and physical appearance of the subject. It also illustrates the continuing practice of private individuals of following the fashions set by the imperial court; under the Severan dynasty (A.D. 193–235) hairstyles for both men and women were very restrained in comparison with earlier styles. In addition, the carving at the back of the head indicates that a separate piece of marble was used for part of the coiffure, either a circular bun or a broad ponytail.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Marble portrait head of a woman
  • Period: Imperial, Severan
  • Date: early 3rd century CE
  • Culture: Roman
  • Medium: Marble
  • Dimensions: Overall: 8 5/8 × 5 3/4 × 6 7/8 in. (21.9 × 14.6 × 17.5 cm)
  • Classification: Stone Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Lewis M. Dubroff Gift and Marguerite and Frank A. Cosgrove Jr. Fund, 2013
  • Object Number: 2013.456
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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