Lot 48
  • 48

A Marble Sarcophagus Acroterion, Roman Imperial, circa A.D. 140-160

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • A Marble Sarcophagus Acroterion
  • 12 1/2 by 12 1/2 by 11 in. 31.8 by 31.8 by 28 cm.
in the form of a mask of Pan, with parted lips, bulbous nose, full swirling beard and moustache, eyes with incised irises and indented pupils, and long curly hair curving forward along the sides and tied in a top-knot above the forehead, a fragmentary erote on either side.

Provenance

German private collection, by descent in the family since the early 20th Century

Condition

As shown, surface slightly and evenly weathered, lower edge chipped in several places, tip of nose abraded, knee of one putto chipped away. Since catalogue photo was taken a light reversible wash has been applied to make surface appear less white.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

For closely related acroteria see the wind gods on the Niobids sarcophagus in the Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design (B.S. Ridgway, Classical Sculpture, Providence, Rhode Island, 1972, no. 39, p. 217, and P. Zanker and B.C. Ewald, Mit Mythen Leben. Die Bilderwelt der römischen Sarkophage, Munich, 2004, pp. 77-78, figs. 60-61), and the satyrs on the Leucippidae sarcophagus in the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore (K. Lehmann-Hartleben and E.C. Olsen, Dionysiac Sarcophagi in Baltimore, New York, 1942, fig. 11; American Journal of Archaeology, vol. 73, 1969, pl. 48). Also see the discussion by T. Brennecke, Kopf und Maske: Untersuchungen zu den Akroteren an Sarkopgahgdeckeln, Berlin, 1970, pp. 154-157, and 246-247.