Lot 71
Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 4th century CE. A marble stele or funerary plaque with a triangular, altar-like roof and rectangular body, carved with a well done, lifelike relief image of a man on horseback within a raised, gentle border. The man wears a flowing cape attached at one shoulder with a large, visible brooch, and holds a double-headed axe, and may be Hercules or at least a person trying to identify himself with the legendary hero. He is youthful, with a smooth face that is turned to look directly at the viewer and head of curly hair. The horse's body is carefully rendered, with attention to detail and well-rendered anatomy, suggesting a high level of regard for the animal. Size: 11.6" W x 12.95" H (29.5 cm x 32.9 cm); 18.45" H (46.9 cm) on included custom stand.
In the 2nd century CE, sarcophagi became popular 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, hunting scenes, scenes from elite life, and mythological concepts 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 - perhaps he identified with Hercules, or at least wished people to think of him as possession qualities of the hero.
Cf. S. Ronzevalle, "Comptes-rendus des séances de lAcademie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres", vol 48, 1904, pp. 8-12.
Provenance: ex-private Morkramer collection, Germany, acquired in the 1960s
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#152691
- Condition: Piece is a fragment of a larger stele as shown, representing the upper portion. Small losses from peripheries, with wear on surface commensurate with age and weathering, including the loss of the man's nose and part of the horse's nose. However, the motifs are well preserved and clear. Light deposits on surface and some really nice root marks.
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