A Roman Marble Group of Two Lovers, circa 1st/2nd Century A.D.

the woman reclining and grasping with her left hand the cushion on which she leans; no restorations.

Bernard Daydé (1921-1986), acquired in the 1940s

Fragmentary as shown. Most extremities missing. Note the man's abraded feet in back and chipped proper left arm. Minor chips, scratches, and abrasions overall. Light brownish patina.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Marble sculptures in the round of human couples engaged in actual lovemaking appear only rarely in Roman art.

Three other examples are known: one at Hever Castle, acquired by William Waldorf Astor from Attilio Simonetti in Rome in the early 20th Century (P. Arndt and W. Amelung, eds., Photographische Einzelaufnahmen antiker Skulpturen, Serie VII, 1913, no. 2018, and S. Dimas, et al., Die Antikensammlung von Hever Castle, Bignor Park und Knole, 2013, p. 55f., no. He13, pl. 16, with restored heads), one in the Glyptothek in Munich, inv. no. 259 (A. Stähli, Die Verweigerung der Lüste: Erotische Gruppen in den antiken Plastik, 1999, pp. 408-413, fig. 116), and one formerly in the collection of Julien Gréau in Paris until 1891 and on the American art market in 1921 (Stähli, op. cit., pp. 414-415, figs. 121-122). The latter's whereabouts are currently unknown.

For a closely related scene in relief on an early Hellenistic bronze mirror see Museum of Fine Art Boston, inv. no. RES.08.32c.1-2. (M. Comstock and C. Vermeule, Greek, Etruscan, & Roman Bronzes on the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Boston, 1971, no. 309, p. 257).