Head of a Youth

We do not know who this head depicts or even the subject’s gender. It has areas of roughness that may suggest that the sculpture is unfinished. It is clear, however, that the sculptor was skilled; porphyry is a very hard stone, and the nose and eyes of this youth are delicately carved. Porphyry’s distinctive maroon color was highly prized, especially by Roman emperors, as it bears a resemblance to expensive purple clothing dye. Along with portraits like this one, porphyry was frequently used for imperial sarcophagi and building projects.