Chatsworth Head found near Tamassos, Cyprus (1836)

The Chatsworth Head, a slightly over-life-size bronze head dating to around 460 BCE, is now in the British Museum. It was originally part of a complete statue discovered near Tamassos on Cyprus two years after the Louvre's 1834 purchase of a bronze found near Elba, and was kept by the 6th Duke of Devonshire at Chatsworth House, from which it takes its name.

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Background and detail

Background. Tamassos was an ancient city-kingdom in Cyprus, one of the ten kingdoms of the island. Unlike other city-states, there is no precise historical information concerning its establishment as a settlement or trade city. The area includes sites like Politiko, which replaced the ancient city, and Ergates, named for the area where mine workers lived.

Discovery. In 1836, a complete statue was discovered near Tamassos on Cyprus. The find was immediately retrieved by locals who dragged it from its position using oxcarts. This discovery followed the 1834 purchase by the Louvre of the first large bronze statue found in modern times, which was discovered in Italy near Elba.

Provenance. The head was originally part of a complete statue, probably one of Apollo, made up of various sections produced separately by lost-wax casting. The 6th Duke of Devonshire and his successors kept the head at their residence of Chatsworth House, from which it takes its name. It is now in the British Museum.

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