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Head of Demeter-Io
Roman
Imperial Period
2nd century A.D.
Medium/Technique
Marble, island
Dimensions
Height: 6 cm (2 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Evelyn Yates Inman in memory of Alonzo Colt Yates of Washington, D.C.
Accession Number63.2683
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
Catalogue Raisonné
Sculpture in Stone (MFA), no. 106; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 109 (additional published references).
DescriptionIo is diademed, and the two tiny horns protruding from her forehead are her distinguishing marks. She wears a tiara, behind which a veil is drawn over her head. On top is a broken surface, which must be the remains of a basket (kalathos), a typical emblem of Demeter. Irregularities in the outline of the break suggest that a crescent moon was placed in front of the kalathos.
On the right side of the head are remains of a strut, which would have connected to a tall torch.
The type of figure is typical of Roman Egypt.
On the right side of the head are remains of a strut, which would have connected to a tall torch.
The type of figure is typical of Roman Egypt.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: said to have been brought from Patras by the donor's father; by 1963: Evelyn Yates Inman Collection; gift of Mrs. Arthur Inman (Evelyn Yates Inman) to MFA, December 11, 1963