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Veiled head of Drusus the Elder
Roman
Early Imperial Period
about 19 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Marble, from Mt. Pentelikon near Athens
Dimensions
Overall: 41 × 28.6 × 29.2 cm (16 1/8 × 11 1/4 × 11 1/2 in.)
Mounted: 58.4 cm (23 in.)
Mounted: 58.4 cm (23 in.)
Credit Line
Everett Fund
Accession Number88.346
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
Catalogue Raisonné
Sculpture in Stone (MFA), no. 332; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 114 (additional published references).
DescriptionHead of a young man, probably Drusus the Elder (38-9 B.C.), slightly turned to the right. The head was carved for insertion in a draped statue. The toga is drawn up like a veil, indicating that the subject was represented as a priest or magistrate making a sacrifice. His head probably turned towards an offering dish (patera) held in his right hand.
The bridge and tip of the nose is damaged, and so are locks of hair and the edge of the veil. The top of the hair is only roughly finished.
The bridge and tip of the nose is damaged, and so are locks of hair and the edge of the veil. The top of the hair is only roughly finished.
ProvenanceSaid to have been found in Rome. Before 1888, Massimiano Pirani, Rome; before 1888, sold by Pirani to Rodolfo Lanciani, Rome [see note 1]; 1888, sold by Lanciani to the MFA for $491.89 [note 2]. (Accession date: May 1, 1888)
Notes:
[1] Lanciani said it very likely came from Civita Lavinia.
[2] This is the total purchase price for MFA 88.346–530.
Notes:
[1] Lanciani said it very likely came from Civita Lavinia.
[2] This is the total purchase price for MFA 88.346–530.