03-08-2014, 04:32 AM
A word of warning: the visor of the helmet is a restoration, and therefore need not be accurate (Heckler, 1912: 315). The cheek-straps do seem to be Montefortino style, although some caution is also necessary, as what we think the fastenings of Montefortino cheek straps look like comes from archaeologists studying this particular bust! Nonetheless, Sekunda 2006 suggests that it is Montefortino (ish), and may reflect Pyrrhus' adoption of some Italian equipment. Wish the helmet was better preserved!
Also important to note that the only reason that this portrait is identified with Pyrrhus is that it is a) martial in nature (i.e. helmeted), and b) wearing oak leaves, and therefore harkens to the oak tree at the sanctuary at Dodona. While the Pyrrhus identification is 100 years old, and largely unchallenged, it is important to note that it rests on relatively tenuous ground.
Also important to note that the only reason that this portrait is identified with Pyrrhus is that it is a) martial in nature (i.e. helmeted), and b) wearing oak leaves, and therefore harkens to the oak tree at the sanctuary at Dodona. While the Pyrrhus identification is 100 years old, and largely unchallenged, it is important to note that it rests on relatively tenuous ground.
