Description:

Roman, Imperial period, ca. 3rd century CE. A beautifully-preserved example of a marble column capital of the Corinthian Order, with a drilled decorative motif of flowers and leaves below a triple-tiered upper portion. The base has a round, drilled cylinder used to attach the capital to a column. Delicate swirls and folds speak to the skill of the artisan who made the piece, which would have adorned a luxurious building of Classical style. Size: 12.8" W x 7.55" H (32.5 cm x 19.2 cm)

The drilled motifs are the clue to the age of this piece. From the 3rd century CE onward, Roman sculptors commonly began to use running drills for decorative effects. Holding a wooden support in one hand to guide the drill bit, the sculptor would drill into the surface at a 30-45 degree angle, repeatedly lifting and moving the drill to create a series of holes at a shallow angle to the surface of the stone, creating the appearance of a channel, as you can see here with the wavy effect used to create the impression of folded leaves. This is not only a beautiful piece, but also demonstrates the skill and tools of Roman artists.

A Roman marble column capital sold at Christie's for $6250 in 2008: https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/a-roman-marble-column-capital-circa-2nd-3rd-5157998-details.aspx

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#137806

  • Condition: Wear commensurate with age, including a faint stain on the top from water. Motifs still clear.

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October 11, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000