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LOT 0079

Beautiful Roman Marble Capital Architectural Feature

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Roman, later Imperial period, ca. 3rd to 5th century CE. A beautifully-preserved example of a marble column capital, with a drilled decorative motif of abstract waves, floral motifs, and lion paws. The corners project outward with large spirals, while the base is ringed with downturned acanthus leaves. The base has a round, drilled cylinder used to attach the capital to a column. Delicate swirls and folds speak to the skill of the artisan who made the piece, which would have adorned a luxurious building of Classical style. The base is drilled into so that it could be attached to a column; the top is similarly drilled into in two places. Size: 23.8" L x 19.7" W x 12.7" H (60.5 cm x 50 cm x 32.3 cm)

The drilled motifs are the clue to the age of this piece. From the 3rd century CE onward, Roman sculptors commonly began to use running drills for decorative effects. Holding a wooden support in one hand to guide the drill bit, the sculptor would drill into the surface at a 30-45 degree angle, repeatedly lifting and moving the drill to create a series of holes at a shallow angle to the surface of the stone, creating the appearance of a channel, as you can see here with the wavy effect used to create the impression of folded leaves. This is not only a beautiful piece, but also demonstrates the skill and tools of Roman artists.

A Roman marble column capital sold at Christie's for $6250 in 2008: https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/a-roman-marble-column-capital-circa-2nd-3rd-5157998-details.aspx

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#146307
Condition Report: Extensive weathering on surface as shown, including shallow fissures and losses to peripheries, especially to the projecting corners on two sides. Deposits on surface.

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Time, Location
07 Oct 2021
USA, Louisville, CO
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[ translate ]

Roman, later Imperial period, ca. 3rd to 5th century CE. A beautifully-preserved example of a marble column capital, with a drilled decorative motif of abstract waves, floral motifs, and lion paws. The corners project outward with large spirals, while the base is ringed with downturned acanthus leaves. The base has a round, drilled cylinder used to attach the capital to a column. Delicate swirls and folds speak to the skill of the artisan who made the piece, which would have adorned a luxurious building of Classical style. The base is drilled into so that it could be attached to a column; the top is similarly drilled into in two places. Size: 23.8" L x 19.7" W x 12.7" H (60.5 cm x 50 cm x 32.3 cm)

The drilled motifs are the clue to the age of this piece. From the 3rd century CE onward, Roman sculptors commonly began to use running drills for decorative effects. Holding a wooden support in one hand to guide the drill bit, the sculptor would drill into the surface at a 30-45 degree angle, repeatedly lifting and moving the drill to create a series of holes at a shallow angle to the surface of the stone, creating the appearance of a channel, as you can see here with the wavy effect used to create the impression of folded leaves. This is not only a beautiful piece, but also demonstrates the skill and tools of Roman artists.

A Roman marble column capital sold at Christie's for $6250 in 2008: https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/a-roman-marble-column-capital-circa-2nd-3rd-5157998-details.aspx

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#146307
Condition Report: Extensive weathering on surface as shown, including shallow fissures and losses to peripheries, especially to the projecting corners on two sides. Deposits on surface.

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Estimate
Unlock
Time, Location
07 Oct 2021
USA, Louisville, CO
Auction House
Unlock