A Roman Marble Cinerary Urn inscribed for Sextus Aerarius, around the reign of Claudius or Nero, circa A.D. 40-70

carved in front with a festooned garland of overlapping pointed leaves and berries held by a berribonned bucranion at each corner, four birds picking at the garland, two in the lunette, one in each lower corner, the framed rectangular panel above carved with four lines of Latin inscription mostly chiseled away, the name of the deceased (Sextus Aerarius) still legible in the top line, each side carved in lower relief with a festooned garland framed by wavy and spiralling ribbons, a patera in the lunette on one side, an oinochoe on the other, the gabled and voluted lid with overlapping echeloned leaves, two confronted birds picking at fruit in the pediment; a corner of the lid restored.

European private collection, 18th C. (based on restoration techniques)
Olivier Ginac, Nîmes
French private collection, near Nîmes, acquired from the above in the early 1980s

Good condition. Left front corner of lid including rosette repaired not restored as stated in catalogue. Note dented gable above birds. Small chips along top end of urn itself. Minor chips on the lower corners, one showing original white marble colour. Note chips on lower moulding beneath inscription. Inscription was chiseled away in antiquity. Entire surface covered in modern grime which can be cleaned off easily.
"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."

For a related example close in style and workmanship see F. Sinn, Stadtrömische Marmorurnen, 1987, no 129, pl. 31d.