Bacchic Head (H̱isfīne)

 

A beardless youth likely representing a follower of Bacchus (Dionysus). The head is crowned with a thick wreath of fruits and leaves, which, along with the thick hair covering the scalp, gives it a triangular shape. The forehead is narrow, and the small chin is pressed against the upper neck. The facial features are heavily damaged, but it's still possible to identify wide-opened eyes and a horizontal groove designating the mouth. The sides and back of the sculpture are roughly modeled. The head is broken obliquely across the neck. The surface is covered by a dark patina with a faint greenish shimmer. 

Provenance: H̱isfīne. Donated to the Museum in 1925 by Mr. Saʿd Drem. 

Substance: dark grey basalt. 

Era: 2nd-3rd century CE. 
Dimensions: H 33 cm, W 27 cm, D 18 cm. 
Text: adapted from Weber (p. 67). 
Collection of the National Museum of Damascus.  

Thomas M. Weber. Sculptures from Roman Syria in the Syrian National Museum of Damascus. Vol I, from Cities and Villages in Central and Southern Syria. Wernersche Verlagsgesellschaft. Worms. 2006.