Description
This woman’s name is unknown, but her portrait indicates that she was likely a member of the imperial family. She wears a tall ornamental headband, typically reserved for goddesses and imperial women. Her elaborate hairstyle, with distinct locks woven around the headband, would have required the services of a skilled hairdresser. Moreover, the use of costly marble reflects her family’s wealth, while her commemoration with a finely carved portrait indicates that she was of elevated social standing.
Provenance
Henriette Hertz (1846-1913), acquired in Rome; given to Alfred Moritz Mond (1868-1930), 1st Baron Melchett of Landford, Melchett Court, Hampshire, and 35 Lowndes Square, London, by 1913 [according to Strong 1928]; by descent to his son Henry Ludwig Mond (1898-1949), 2nd Baron Melchett of Landford, and daughter-in-law Amy Gwen Mond (née Wilson) (died 1982), Lady Melchett of Landford, London; sold, Sotheby's, London, May 23-24, 1951, lot 36. Hans Calmann (1899-1982), London; sold to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1962.
Accession Number
15606
Medium
Marble
Dimensions
34.3 × 26.7 × 26 cm (13 1/2 × 10 1/2 × 10 1/4 in.)
Classification
marble
Credit Line
Edward E. Ayer Endowment in memory of Charles L. Hutchinson
