MARBLE BUST OF EMPEROR HADRIAN
Ca. 200 AD (Head) / Ca. 1800 AD (Bust). A marble head and torso of the emperor Hadrian wearing military dress. His face features a broad brow, narrow nose, and clipped beard. The head is framed with curling locks. Hadrian (76-138 AD) was Roman emperor from 117 to 138 AD. He often travelled through the vast provinces of the Roman Empire, establishing new settlements or granting city rights to already existing centres. He supported trade and craftsmanship and reformed the tax system. He was an educated and empathetic man. A great patron of the arts, and a famous admirer of Greek culture. He wore a beard and moustache to fashion himself as a Greek philosopher. Cf. The British Museum, Museum number 1805,0703.94. Size: L:610mm / W:420mm ; 38.75kg Provenance: Ex French Collection, Paris Gallery, previously with Maître LEFRANC Frédéric Eurl Auxerre Engheres Auction.

Estimate: GBP 8000 - 12000