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Portrait of a Man

Unknown1st century B.C.

The J. Paul Getty Museum

The J. Paul Getty Museum
Los Angeles, United States

This bronze head was broken from a full-length statue and probably depicts a prince or local ruler. The eyes of this statue were originally inlaid with contrasting materials, and the lips were inlaid with copper.

This head belongs to a type of portraiture depicting Hellenistic rulers that became popular in the wake of Alexander the Great. Designed as propaganda to legitimize the ruler and emphasize dynastic connections, these portraits were often highly idealized images of their subjects, with even features, thick hair, and smooth skin; they bear an intentional similarity to each other. Even with its idealized features, the statue gives off an aura of power and command, showing the Roman concern with expressing personality through portraiture.

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  • Title: Portrait of a Man
  • Creator: Unknown
  • Date Created: 1st century B.C.
  • Location Created: Asia Minor
  • Physical Dimensions: 29.5 × 21.6 × 21.6 cm (11 5/8 × 8 1/2 × 8 1/2 in.)
  • Type: Male portrait
  • External Link: Find out more about this object on the Museum website.
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Terms of Use: Open Content
  • Number: 73.AB.8
  • Culture: Roman
  • Credit Line: The J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection, Malibu, California
  • Creator Display Name: Unknown
  • Classification: Sculpture (Visual Works)
The J. Paul Getty Museum

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