large heavy slab , what is it ?

[jerryk]

have this looks to be an old heavy stone or plaster slab , depiction of a man with open mouth and grapes in his hair. the backside has two iron loops for hanging. Blue in color with some chips on the front. Found this years ago while taking out recycling lying on the side 

[mart]

How big is it ??  Looks like a garden ornament or from a driveway pillar !! Also make similar for fountains and other water features !! Most I have seen are made from layered fiberglass and concrete mixture !!

[Mat]

This Bacchus head is quite close, but not on a square plaque... https://www.ancientsculpturegallery.com/bacchus-head.html

[KC]

Bacchus, God of the Grape Harvest! (Grapes around his head.)  It isn't Green Man because there aren't leaves/vines growing out of his head/mouth!

My first inclination was a garden ornament or a piece to insert into a building facade.  But I believe is a relief plaque, some refer to as a frieze piece, for inside or outside depending upon the composition of the piece.

What are the dimensions?  Weight?

Mat I have seen them done this way over the years but never as often as the the head only. This "square tile" type is very popular for interiors because it can rest on a table or shelf whereas the "cut out head" version cannot sit well so it is hung most often.

Some other examples:
https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/wall-decorations/wall-mounted-sculptures/spectacular-neoclassical-pair-of-rare-limestone-plaques-bacchus-dionysus/id-f_2711642/

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bacchus-Roman-Relief-Plaque-29-Museum-Sculpture-Replica-Reproduction-/322440800542?hash=item4b12f8291e:g:ANIAAOSwKtlWlT2v

[jerryk]

very interesting i checked the links, this has been in a fire lace for 15 years , a non working fire place it stood out well . its a heavy item around 30 plus pounds, measure is around 23 x30

[KC]

Also, many times the iron loops help to give a grip for heavy pieces to be mortared into a wall, etc.

[mart]

At that size pretty sure its an architectural piece !!  I have seen similar but smaller pieces added to brick columns flanking a driveway entrance !!