Head of a Ruler

This grand head, originally on a bust or statue, combines two stylistic tendencies. The working of the eyes, ears and hairline betray an affinity with classical antiquity, while the flat strands of the facial hair show a medieval Romanesque stylization. The beard in particular associates this piece, in terms of its style, with the so-called judges’ busts on the bridge gate (built 1234–1239) of Emperor Frederick II’s fort at Capua. There is so little individuality in the facial features that we cannot describe this as a portrait in the modern sense of the word. It is conceivable, though, that in its original location the head was intended to represent a historical personage.