Lot 35B
Rome, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A finely carved torso of a nude cherub, probably originally part of a sarcophagus. The body is depicted dynamically, turned towards the viewer, with the legs splayed, and one arm holding something round and a space for the hand that was clearly made as a separate piece (a common practice in Roman marble statuary). The cherub's body is chubby and childlike, with the sculptor emphasizing his ample body and rotund thighs. A delightful depiction, carved from a pretty piece of pale marble with a few faint grey bands through it. Size: 11.7" W x 7.25" H (29.7 cm x 18.4 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, hunting scenes, and mythological figures, like this one, 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.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection
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.
#136167
- Condition: A fragment with losses as shown, earthen encrustation, and mineral deposits on the surface. What remains has nice detail and the form is very clear.
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 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |