A Roman Imperial White Marble Head of Sphinx, Circa 100 A.D.
H 12.5 cm
SI_RM_1108
Further images
Provenance
The Private Collection of the Baidun FamilyMahmoud Baidun (1920-1980) founded what would become Khader M Badiun and Sons Galleries in Jerusalem, Isreal. As a young boy, Mahmoud would accompany archeologists, biblical scholars, and visiting delegations on excavation sites all over Jerusalem and other sites within the country. Earning the trust of scholars and archeologists alike, Mahmoud became an indispensable presence and guide to other visiting scholars. When Mr. Baidun entered the antiquities trade, he would be granted trade license under the British Mandate and from the Hashemite Kingdom. When Israel authorized the trade of antiquities, Mahmoud was issued one of the first antiquities licenses issued in the country. He would later forge close relationships with other merchants; slowly building a massive private collection that would go on to sell to political leaders, international museums, and private collectors globally.
This beautiful young goddess with heavy lid almonds wide eyes, highbrow contours typical of the Roman style depiction of the goddess. Soft facial proportions, with square chin. Perfectly rendered lips. The face is adorned and framed with thick locks of hair parted in the middle, pulled back into a bun in the back.
The beauty of this young goddess is quietly and gracefully executed.