Portrait Bust of a Roman Matron

Bust of a Roman matron, broken at the proper left and nose. Three broad strips of hair are parted at the center of the brow, the lowest ending in a small ringlet before the ear. Above, the hair is tied into a thick braid, which encircles the top of the head. This hairstyle is a version of the one worn by the empress Faustina (died A.D. 141). The sagging flesh of her cheeks and throat are clearly rendered. Her pupils are drilled and irises incised.