A Roman Marble Sarcophagus Fragment, 3rd Century A.D.

carved in high relief with a figure of Summer in the form of a winged erote looking to his right and cradling a flaring basket filled with ears of corn in his left arm, and wearing a chlamys fastened on his left shoulder, his deeply-drilled curly hair surmounted by a pine wreath overlapping with the upper edge of the sarcophagus, a fragmentary diminutive winged figure hovering above the basket, another small fragmentary figure standing to his left and wearing an enveloping garment; no restorations.

reputedly from the Palais des Tuileries (gutted by fire in 1871, left standing until 1882)
private collection, Le Vésinet, formed in the late 19th Century
French private collection, by descent

As shown. Note chips and areas of abrasion on front of drapery, left hand and face. Head, drapery on chest and proper right shoulder and arm slightly weathered.
"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."

on the dispersion of many parts of the Palais des Tuileries through private and auction sales by Achille Picard, the contractor and salvage yard owner who was entrusted with its demolition, see G. Lenotre, Les Tuileries. fastes et maléfices d'un palais disparu, 1933, pp. 311-315.