Marble head of a woman

Greek, probably Cycladic or northern Ionian

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 157

The asymmetries in the rendering of the hair indicate that this head probably belonged originally to a figure in motion, possibly a Nike (personification of victory). It may have served as an akroterion, embellishing the roof of a building. The well-preserved portions beautifully illustrate the way that stylization and sensitive rendering of palpable detail were integrated to create the distinctive abstract yet vigorous quality of Archaic sculpture.

Marble head of a woman, Marble, Greek, probably Cycladic or northern Ionian

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Marble head of a woman, Marble, Greek, probably Cycladic or northern Ionian
Marble head of a woman, Marble, Greek, probably Cycladic or northern Ionian

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