Lot 25C
Late Roman Empire/Byzantine Empire, ca. 4th to 7th century CE. A fine example of a carved grey marble stele, perhaps from a sarcophagus or a monument, depicting a beautiful male youth riding on horseback. He holds a shield and hefts what looks like a staff, his body twisted towards the viewer as the horse prances in profile. A long, flowing cape flying out from behind the youth's back and the horse's raised tail help create a dynamic sense of movement. Underneath the horse's body are two boars, shown as if fighting or preparing to attack; the rider may be readying his spear to strike them. Size: 1.2" L x 7" W x 7.7" H (3 cm x 17.8 cm x 19.6 cm)
In the 2nd century CE, sarcophagi became common in Rome, representing a shift from cremation to inhumation. These coffins could be made of wood, stone, lead, and, most luxuriously, marble. Most of these were low, rectangular shapes with flat lids, made to be placed on a wall or niche inside a mausoleum, so sides left visible would be highly decorated. Battle and hunting scenes, like this one probably depicts, were popular. It seems likely that individuals or their families commissioned specific subjects in order to commemorate the dead, and that artisans would have worked closely with them to realize their designs. What importance might a scene like this one have had to the deceased or to his or her family - perhaps a mythological figure or activity with deep personal meaning?
Provenance: private San Francisco, California USA collection
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#125967
- Condition: Pictured stand not included. Losses to edges, especially on the lower right corner, but these do not affect the central motif, which has lost some detail from age and handling but is otherwise in nice condition.
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| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
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