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Lot 100

A MARBLE HEAD OF A MONK

probably Roman Republic, 1st century, later carved in the medieval period, turned slightly to sinister, with bald head, deep-set eyes and heavy brows, lacking nose, the tonsure carved later, perhaps 6th-10th century); on a later copper shaft set into a square marble plinth, 27cm high

Provenance: John (Jack) H.A. Quitter (b.1941) and by descent.
Private collection, Gloucestershire.

Condition Report: click here
Estimate: £10,000 - £15,000
Bidding ended. Lot is unsold.

This exceptionally rare depiction of an early medieval monk appears to have been carved using a Roman marble head, most likely dating from the early part of the 1st century. It may be compared to a Roman marble head of a German, his hair tied in a Suebian knot, from Somzée, Belgium, datable to 1st/2nd century in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium, Brussels.

John Quitter was a speech writer for Henry Kissinger with a life-long interest in the arts, he served on the Council of the Royal Society of Sculpture.

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There are the inevitable minor dents, marks & scratches consistent with age and use. As stated in the catalogue, lacking nose, the tonsure is later carved, probably in the 7th-10th century. The surface on the bald pate is slightly crazed, possibly as a result of heat exposure, but this is confined to the very top part of the head only. There are also some minor reddish veins on the top - perhaps part of the marble, which is otherwise of a fairly even tone of dark, creamy white, with some dirt inclusions. A small chip above the viewing right eye. The viewing right side of the face is discoloured iwth white deposits, again perhaps from excessive heat, humidity or other extreme environmental exposure. The outer parts of both ears are lacking. There is a chip on th eviewing left corner of the chin, and three small chips on th eviewing left side of the cheek. Overall the bust has a good surface with great interest, the bust is well carved and with great expression, and is in fair overall condition.

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