Head of Aphrodite. Roman. First century B.C.-Ist century A.D.

Head of Aphrodite. Roman. First century B.C.-Ist century A.D.
Alabaster.
Provenance: Private collection of Andre and François Kostolany.
André Kostolany (1906-1999) was an investor, economist and writer born in Budapest (then Austro-Hungarian Empire) and naturalized French. He became famous for his psychological and philosophical approach to financial markets.
Measurements: 4 cm. height, 8,5 cm. with stand.

Small and delicate female head in alabaster representing Venus (Aphrodite), within the Roman sculptural tradition inspired by classical Greek models. The piece stands out for the softness of its features and the translucent quality of the material, especially appreciated in antiquity for its ability to suggest the smoothness of the skin.

The face presents a serene and balanced expression, with harmonious features and careful proportions that refer to the classical canons inherited from Greek art. The hairstyle, structured in wavy locks and gathered at the sides, elegantly frames the face.

This type of fragment was part of domestic decorative contexts, where representations of Aphrodite enjoyed great popularity as a symbol of beauty, fertility and protection.

The choice of alabaster, a less common material than marble but highly valued, gives the work a particularly attractive aesthetic presence for collectors.