Ancient Roman statuary at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York: TESTA DI DEMOSTENE (Gift of R. Belfer, 2012)

Speranza

Marble head of Demosthenes
Period: Imperial
Date: 2nd century A.D.
Culture: Roman
Medium: Marble
Dimensions: Overall: 27.9 x 21.9 x 22.9 cm
Classification: Stone Sculpture
Credit Line: Gift of Robert Belfer, 2012
Accession Number: 2012-479.9
This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 162

Copy of a Greek bronze statue by Polyeuktos of ca. 280 B.C.

Demosthenes (ca. 384–322 b.c.) of Athens is widely considered to be the greatest orator of ancient Greece. Early on in his career, he recognized that the rise in power of Philip II of Macedonia was a danger to the independence of Greece and initiated a lifelong aggressive anti-Macedonian policy, which he pleaded publicly to the Athenians and the citizens of other Greek city-states. More than fifty Roman portraits of Demosthenes are known, an eloquent testimony to his continued popularity in Roman times. All the existing portraits appear to reflect a single Greek original, most likely the posthumous portrait statue by the sculptor Polyeuktos erected in the Agora (marketplace) of Athens in 280 B.C. The fine head captures the orator in a characteristically harsh, unhappy yet determined expression—the countenance of a noble fanatic, great mind, and passionate patriot.
Provenance

By 1973, Mussienko Family Collection, Maryland.

Until 1987, with Fortuna Gallery, New York.

1987, Purchased by Ariadne Galleries, New York, from Fortuna Fine Arts, New York.

Purchased by Morris Pinto from Ariadne Galleries, New York.

1992, Consigned by Morris Pinto to Christie’s New York, lot 14, passed in.

Consigned by Morris Pinto to Acanthus Gallery, New York.

Before 1998, purchased by Robert Belfer from Acanthus Gallery, New York.

Acquired in 2012, gift from Robert Belfer.