Abstract
The Greek and Roman Department of the British Museum has acquired a Roman portrait head in alabaster of unknown provenience, 16·5 cm. in height (pll. XVII, XVIII, 1). The eyebrows and chin are chipped and the nose is missing. The colour varies from ivory to light brown, and the softness of the alabaster has permitted very delicate surface modelling. The head is that of an old man with short hair, which lies in concentric circles around the head, and a laurel wreath tied in a knot at the back. The worn face shows a pronounced asymetry which emphasizes its individuality. Under the broad rectangular forehead the eyes are deep set and underlined by dark shadows. The Adam's apple protrudes and is emphasized by the slack skin of the throat.
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