On view
Fragmentary portrait of a Greek king,
3rd century BCE
Even without its face, this fragment is recognizable as a vivid portrait. Characterized by several well-established conventions—tousled, windswept hair, furrowed forehead, and arched eyebrows—this was, and remains, a striking portrayal of a Hellenistic ruler. The identification is confirmed not only by the work’s over-life size but also by the now-missing headband, or diadem, that he once wore. This signal attribute of royalty was possibly made of silver or gilt bronze, as it was fashioned independently and attached in the hair’s clearly visible depression. These aspects were common to the portraits of the many Hellenistic kings who sought to emulate the appearance, if not the accomplishments, of Alexander the Great.
Michael Koortbojian, M. Taylor Pyne Professor of Art and Archaeology, Emeritus, Princeton University
Information
3rd century BCE
Greek world
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