Antique Italian Marble Bust of Achilles
This exceptional marble bust, apparently unsigned, is believed to depict Achilles, Greek hero of the Trojan War and main character and greatest warrior in Homer's Iliad. It dates from the late 19th century and measures 23 by 9 by 14 in (58 x 23 x 36 cm). His mother was the immortal Nereid Thetis, and his father, the mortal Peleus, was the king of the Myrmidons. This work is also similar to the depiction of Ares by Alkamenes, circa 420 BC, which resides in the collection of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. The Roman equivalent is the god, Mars.
For a similar work, see Christie's sale in London on December 4, 2018, where lot 40, a work said to be depicting Achilles, signed Pirro, was offered in Lot 40 with an estimate of 15,000-25,000 GBP and sold for 21,250 GBP
