Commentary Prepared by Dr. Julia Lenaghan, Ashmolean Museum

H 002
Head of a Youth in a Classical Style. Private Collection

Probably once a decorative element in a Roman villa, this bronze head depicts a young male with a curled fringe and long braids that wrap around the crown of the head. The face and particularly the hairstyle are based upon famous statues of the early fifth century BC such as the “Omphalos Apollo” and the “Artemision Zeus” (C 13 and B 72 in the Cast Gallery). The head, however, also features entirely new elements (for instance, the ornamental locks of hair over the center of the brow). The head bears witness to the Romans’ admiration and knowledge of Greek statuary as well as their own artistic creativity.

Bronze
Head
Switzerland, Private collection
First Century BC - First Century AD, Based on Models of the Early Fifth Century BC

Discussion:
Probably once a decorative element in a Roman villa, this bronze head depicts a young male with a curled fringe and long braids that wrap around the crown of the head. The face and particularly the hairstyle are based upon famous statues of the early fifth century BC such as the “Omphalos Apollo” and the “Artemision Zeus” (C 13 and B 72 in the Cast Gallery). The head, however, also features entirely new elements (for instance, the ornamental locks of hair over the center of the brow). The head bears witness to the Romans’ admiration and knowledge of Greek statuary as well as their own artistic creativity.