An Ancient Roman Lifesize Marble Portrait Head of a Veiled Woman

Circa Late 1st Century B.C. – Early 1st Century A.D.
Ex: Hindman Auction; Private Collection, Switzerland, 1981; Art Market New York; Hindman Auctions Chicago, 2022

✨ Historical Significance – This elegant marble portrait head hails from the transformative Late Republican–Augustan era, a time when Rome was reshaping its identity from republic to empire. The subject—a veiled woman of elite status—embodies the refined ideals of Roman femininity and virtue. Her hairstyle, known as the nodus type, was famously worn by Octavia the Younger and Empress Livia Drusilla, both central figures in the imperial family. Such styles were not mere fashion—they were political statements, aligning noble women with the values of modesty, dignity, and dynastic loyalty that defined the Augustan age.

🔮 Physical Description – Carved from fine marble and standing 12 inches (30 cm.) tall without its base, this portrait head is a masterful blend of realism and idealization. The woman’s face is serene and symmetrical, with carefully modeled features that suggest both individuality and archetype. Her hair is styled in the classic nodus fashion: a roll over the forehead, with side locks swept into a bun at the nape—subtly hinted at beneath the veil’s gentle bow. Though the nose has been broken and replaced with clay, the sculpture remains intact and visually compelling. The surface bears the soft patina of age, and it is presented on a custom display stand, ready for exhibition.

💎 Collector Appeal – This piece is a rare and evocative example of Roman portraiture, offering collectors a direct link to the imperial world of Augustus. Its association with elite women and its stylistic ties to the empresses of Rome make it a culturally rich acquisition. With a well-documented provenance and a commanding presence, this sculpture is ideal for collectors seeking museum-quality antiquities that tell a story of power, prestige, and timeless beauty.

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