A Roman Mosaic Emblema Panel, North Africa, circa late 2nd Century A.D.

depicting in multicolored tesserae within a dentiled border a rockfish swimming to left; the tesserae set in plaster within a wood frame.

M. Lepage, Tunis, early 20th Century, received as a gift from the Bey of Tunis (from an inscription at the back)
French private collection, by direct descent
reputedly Hotel Drouot, Paris, 1960s or earlier
Nina Borowski, Paris
acquired by the present owner from Fortuna Fine Arts, New York, circa 1997

Tesserae set into plaster within a wood frame, several areas appear to have been restored, mostly in the background, including above and below the head of the fish and under the zigzag. “El-Djem 1913” was etched into the plaster on the back before it hardened. Also on the back is the name “Gauthier” written in ink, as well as a text detailing the early provenance written in ball-point pen.
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.

M. Lepage graduated with the rank of "Conducteur" from the famous French state engineering school called the École des Ponts et Chaussées in the late 19th century, was appointed as engineer responsible for archaeological excavations in Tunisia, and in 1903 participated in the expansion of the Bardo Museum in Tunis, which contains most of the mosaics found in Tunisia.