Greek Head of a Man in the Walters Art Museum, September 2009

Head of a Man


Creator: Greek (Artist)

Period: ca. 320 BC (Classical)

Medium: marble (Sculpture)

Accession Number: 23.239

Measurements: 12 9/16 x 7 13/16 x 8 7/16 in. (31.9 x 19.9 x 21.5 cm)

Geographies: Greece (?) (Place of Origin)


This magnificent head belonged to a type of Athenian grave monument in which life-size images of family members were presented within a stage-like setting. The deep-set eyes, furrowed brow, open mouth, and tousled hair depart from the idealized Classical forms typical of the 5th and early 4th century. The depiction of emotion individualizes the figure, while avoiding any specific likeness to the deceased.

Text from: art.thewalters.org/detail/31295/head-of-a-man/