A ROMAN MARBLE CINERARY URN INSCRIBED FOR TITUS HELVUS IASO, 2ND HALF OF THE 1ST CENTURY A.D./EARLY 2ND CENTURY A.D. | A Roman Marble Cinerary Urn inscribed for Titus Helvus Iaso

of rectangular form, carved in front with a garland hanging from two corner masks of Zeus Ammon, two birds picking fruit from a basket in the lunette, an eagle in each lower corner, the framed panel engraved with five lines of Latin inscription reading Dis Manibus / T(iti) Helvi / Iasonis / Vettia Sabina con-/iugi suo bene merenti fec(it) ("To the Spirits of the Departed of Titus Helvus Iaso. Vettia Sabina made this for her well-deserving husband").

Sotheby's, London, July 17th-18th, 1985, no. 589, illus.
acquired by Martha Hyder at the above sale

Repaired from three fragments. Small hole with remains of lead close to top of each short side (for securing of now missing lid). Surface slightly weathered with minor chips and abrasions. Larger chips on top.
"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 the decoration cf. e.g. F. Sinn, Stadtrömische Marmorurnen, 1987, p. 142, no. 198 and pl. 39, f.