A Parian bust of Clytie, probably by Copeland

A Parian bust of Clytie, probably by Copeland

The collector Charles Townley acquired a marble bust of Clytie in in the 1770s in Naples which became part of his Graeco-Roman collection - this was sold after his death to the British Museum where it remains.  The bust is generally acknowledged to be from between 40 and 50 AD although some scholars believe it be eighteenth century. The bust shows a woman emerging from a calyx of leaves. Scholars attributed various identities to the woman but eventually it was accepted that she represented Clytie, deserted lover of Helios the sun. In the legend Clytie sat staring at the sun, following it throughout each day until eventually she was turned into a sunflower whcih turns its head to follow the sun.  The image became very popular in the nineteenth century and both marble and Parian copies were made, the latter by many different manufacturers.  This copy is marked as having been reduced from the original by Delpech and produced for the Art Union of London, and is of very fine quality. The date is indistinct, possibly 1855. Copeland/Delpech copied the original bust exactly, modelling the cut-out section on the back of the hair as in this version, whereas other manufacturers filled in the hair.

The bust is illustrated in the “Parian Phenomenon” page 185 figure 610.

Height: 34cm (c. 13.4”)

Condition: Very good. The bust itself is in excellent condition.  A little chipping to the top of the socle where it joins the bust.