Large head (larger than life size) representing a divinity, - Lot 222

Large head (larger than life size) representing a divinity, probably the god Apollo. The wavy hair is treated with a drill bit. It is distributed on either side of a median parting and is gathered into a bun at the top of the skull. The pupils of the eyes are not incised. The half-open mouth reveals the teeth, lending the work a certain pathos. White marble with fine crystals. Roman art, 2nd century. (Limestone deposit, visible gaps and chips, deep beige staining, no restoration). Height: 42 cm - Width: 30 cm - Depth: 32 cm Black marble base, height with base: 61 cm Provenance : Purchased by Mr. L. from Ernest Ascher in Paris on March 9, 1961 as "Hellenistic", then by descent (invoice and business card from Galerie Ascher kept with the head by the descendants), private collection, Normandy. Ernest Ascher, a Czech-born painter, antique dealer and gallery owner in the Montparnasse district, then on the rue des Beaux-Arts, was notably a dealer and friend of Picasso.