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"This pleasing Roman marble is a portrait of a young woman that dates circa 2nd century A.D.  This piece is approximately 3.4 inches high by 2.25 inches wide.  This piece has a break at the back, at the bottom of the neck, and at the back right side of the head.  The flat break at the back is an indication that this piece was once part of a large carved relief, possibly a sarcophagus panel, and was broken away from the main part of the sculpture.  This attractive bust is also designed with a three-quarter facing profile, and this is a Greek convention of art that was extensively copied by the Romans circa 1st-2nd century A.D.  In addition, the head is leaning to the left, with the neck seen at an angle moving down to the right, and this is an indication that the body of this young girl was portrayed with movement, as seen within the entire scene that this this bust was originally attached to.  The face of the young girl appears to be serene, and conveys an eternally young look which may also be an indication that this is also meant to be a portrait of a goddess, possibly Diana (Artemis) or Juno (Hera).  The hair seen on this young portrait is also arranged in three layers, which was a Roman hair style that was popular in the 2nd century A.D.  The face of this piece is also intact, with no breaks to the nose, chin, and cheeks.  The mouth is also rendered in a very sensual way, and has a great deal of eye appeal.  This piece is also somewhat analogous to the numerous Roman marble portraits that were produced circa 161-176 A.D. of Faustina II, who was the daughter of Antoninus Pius and Faustina I, and was later married to Marcus Aurelius in 145 A.D.  (See attached photo of a young marble portrait bust of Faustina II, circa 161-176 A.D., and seen in \"Art of the Ancient World\", Vol. XXI, 2010, no. 26 by Royal Athena Galleries, New York.)  The attractive piece offered here has a nice light tan patina, with some spotty dark brown and black mineral deposits, which are also readily seen over the entire piece.  Overall, this piece is an attractive Roman marble, and is a choice example.  This piece is also mounted on an attractive custom display stand.  Ex: Private New York collection, circa 1990's.  Ex: Fortuna Fine Art, New York.  I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:       "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.trocadero.com/stores/apoloniaancientart/items/1281148/Pleasing-Young-Goddess-Marble-Portrait-Bust>