The colossal head of Zeus was found a hundred years or
more ago at Otricoli, a small village to the north of
Rome. The antique part is a mere mask; the back of the
head and the bust are modern. The material is Carrara
marble, a fact which alone would prove that the work was
executed in Italy and in the imperial period. At first
this used to be regarded as copied from the Olympian
Zeus of Phidias, but in the light of increased
acquaintance with the style of Phidias and his age, this
attribution has long been seen to be impossible. The
original belongs about at the end of the period now
under review, or possibly still later. Although only a
copy, the Otricoli Zeus is the finest representation we
have of the father of gods and men. The predominant
expression is one of gentleness and benevolence, but the
lofty brow, transversely furrowed, tells of thought and
will, and the leonine hair of strength.
F. B. Tarbell, A History of Ancient Greek Art
