Female Portrait on a Modern Bust, Called Helena Fausta

Female Portrait on a Modern Bust, Called Helena Fausta

 Female Portrait on a Modern Bust, Called Helena Fausta

Female Portrait on a Modern Bust, Called Helena Fausta

 Female Portrait on a Modern Bust, Called Helena Fausta

Female Portrait on a Modern Bust, Called Helena Fausta

The female portrait can be dated in late antiquity due to the voluminous turban hairstyle that wraps her head. From Julia Domna onwards, hairstyles became more and more compact and covering. This type of hairstyle was very popular from the Constantinian age to the late fourth century AD. Her face, characterized by a serious expression, is framed by gadrooned locks and a voluminous braid coiled around her head and held together by a turban. The Torlonia portrait, an excellent example of Late Antique portraiture, has been identified as that of Helena Fausta, given the probable origin from the Labican area, although the absence of a diadem suggests that the portrait is of a private woman. The modern bust with collar was added on the occasion of its display in the Torlonia Museum.

Inventory: MT 614

Material: White marble

Technique: Work sculpted through the use of: chisels (also square-tipped and toothed) rasps

Dating: Imperial age

Origin: Cavaceppi Studio