Ancient Roman Marble Hades and Persephone sculpture H: 30 cm

Hades and Persephone Roman 2nd - 3rd Century AD Marble Height 30 cm PROVENANCE: From the private collection of D. A. , Belgium. Previously it was in a Spanish collection, acquired in the 1980s. CONDITION: In a good state of preservation. The left arm and part of the crown is missing. The piece was broken at the level of the waist, but it has been rejoined. DESCRIPTION: A free-standing sculptural grouping of two figures, one of which is lost, with only the feet remaining. Although it has been sculpted in this manner, its provincial execution is evident, as the back section has a shallower relief. It is only meant to be seen from the front, and here the width is less that it would be if it were proportional. The grouping is of Hades on the left and what was possibly a figure of Persephone on the right. Between them, and serving as a manner of support for both figures, is an architectural element with a geometric form which could represent a funerary stele typical of Roman art or a platonic solid form. It could also be a tomb, a characteristic element that could be a reference to both protagonists. Hades is represented as a bearded, middle-aged figure with abundant hair falling down to his shoulders and wearing a tunic. He is placed with his right foot slightly in front of his left one and with his gaze directed to the right. His arms are separate from his body and the left is curved forward, holding a sceptre or staff. This original reached down to his feet but only the upper section of it now remains. Next to him can be found two fragments of what were, most probably, Persephone’s feet. Notes: The piece includes authenticity certificate. The piece includes Spanish Export License (Passport for European Union) - If the piece is destined outside the European Union a substitution of the export permit should be requested. This process could take between 1 and 2 months.