Bust of the Head of Hygieia
Approx h. 14.25", w. 9", d. 7"
A striking tribute to the goddess of health, this bust is a faithful interpretation of the famed 4th-century BCE marble head of Hygieia found at the Temple of Athena Alea at Tegea. Attributed to the master sculptor Scopas, the piece is celebrated for its "technical precision" and the soft, soulful expression that marked a departure from the more rigid styles of earlier antiquity. Mounted on a substantial, honed marble plinth, this piece acts as a sophisticated focal point that balances classical heritage with a clean, modern aesthetic.
In Greek mythology, Hygieia was the daughter of Asclepius and the personification of health, cleanliness, and hygiene. Unlike her father, who focused on curing illness, Hygieia represented the prevention of sickness and the continuation of good health. This specific depiction by Scopas is world-renowned for its "lived-in" grace, moving away from the distant divinity of the gods toward a more human, accessible beauty. During the 20th century, casts of Hygieia became highly prized in European design for their ability to bring a sense of balance and well-being into the curated "biography" of a home.