Lot 31
Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 2nd Century CE. A carved marble pair of lower legs - perhaps belonging to a human but possibly belonging to Cupid - with the contiguous calves and feet standing upon a plinth, beside a tree trunk form with nicely delineated bark. This device (the inclusion of a tree stump or trunk) was traditionally used for larger marble sculptures to serve as a support for the figure. Although these legs do not appear to have come from a piece that was either monumental or life size, perhaps it was a maquette for a larger work. Notice the veristic modeling of the toes with delineated metatarsal phalangeal joints and nail beds. Though a section from a larger work, this piece represents the Classical penchant for depicting realistic human anatomy. Size: 7.375" W x 9.25" H (18.7 cm x 23.5 cm); 10.75" H (27.3 cm) on included custom stand.
It is also possible that this piece belonged to a sculpture created via the acrolith technique in which the sculptor focused his attention solely on the unclothed parts of the figure which were made from a more valuable material than the rest of the piece. The legendary Phidias's Zeus of Olympia and the Parthenon's Athena are quintessential examples of this.
Provenance: Private Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA collection; purchased June 1989 from New York antiquities dealer and Christie's verified age, condition and authenticity.
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#133833
- Condition: A section from a larger statue with losses to the tips of a few toes, periphery of the plinth, upper ends of legs and tree trunk as shown. Normal surface wear with a few minor divots and areas of earthen encrustation. Current owner states that the piece has been cleaned.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| 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 |