Late 1st-3rd century A.D., the subject's features resemble those of the emperor Nero, however he is depicted in a less than imperial manner as he wears a diadem of roses with streamers while having a lion's skin draped over his left shoulder. Though inappropriate for an emperor, this strange pairing of attributes was certainly in line with Nero's unconventional behavior.

4-1/8 x 3-1/2 x 1-3/4

Private Collection of an Antiquarian, Charlotte, North Carolina

A label on the underside of the base names the work's source as "Eisenberg," referring to Jerome Eisenberg, the late president and founder of the now defunct Royal Athena Galleries of New York City.

Acquired in 2009 from the Joel Malter Collection, California

The work is intact with a pleasing natural patina. It had once been glued to its stone base and has broken off with one part of the post still attached to the base and the other attached to the sculpture. Restoration of this modern element is possible with minimal effort.