c. 1st Century B.C.-1st Century A.D.

The nude infant rests on his right hip with right leg bent and placed under his left leg. The torso is slightly twisted at the waist as the child looks up at some unknown entity imploringly. The figure’s left arm is bent at the elbow and the forearm would have most likely stretched across the chest with the hand possibly turned up, although it is now missing. The intact right arm is also bent at the elbow and is outstretch as a small hand reaches upward. Although the face is slightly worn the features are still evident. These include the chubby cheeks and chin of infancy as well as slightly parted lips, a wide nose slightly oversized ears and two small, lidded eyes. Hair is depicted although minimally with incised lines on the back and top of the head. Another incised line on the back of the figure distinguishes the buttocks. Given the position of the child he was most likely part of a larger group with which he was interacting. Although made during the Early Imperial Period of Rome as denoted by the rendering of the hand and the style of hair the pathos of the figure and the depiction of the body are clearly Hellenistic in style. In excellent condition.

2 inches (5.3 cms)

Export Approval from Israel Antiquities Authority

Antiquities
Ancient Roman