Head of Ptolemy IV
early 2nd century B.C.
The head and part of the neck of a male figure. The marble sustains a yellow patina. Most of the facial features have been worn away; the eye sockets and the bridge of the nose are the most discernable features. The figure has a thick neck and wide jaw. There are depressions where the ears belong and also a depression indicating where a diadem might have sat. Some curls can still be seen at the back of the neck underneath the diadem and at the sides of the head.
Images courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (CC0)