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Marble head of an elderly woman

ca. 40–20 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 166
This portrait of an elderly Roman matron conveys an air of gravitas and dignity that befits the social standing of the subject. Like most portraits of Roman women, this one can be dated closely by the hairstyle, which combines a braided bun worn high on the head and the so-called nodus, a flat braid pulled back over the top of the head.
In antiquity, all marble sculpture was painted. Here, the indication of eyelashes can still be seen on the upper lid of the right eye, and traces of pigment remain on the same eye and on the hair.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Marble head of an elderly woman
  • Period: Late Republic or Early Augustan
  • Date: ca. 40–20 BCE
  • Culture: Roman
  • Medium: Marble
  • Dimensions: 10 1/4 x 6 1/2 x 7 3/4 in. (26 x 16.5 x 19.7 cm)
  • Classification: Stone Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Philodoroi Gifts, 2000
  • Object Number: 2000.38
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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