Rare Roman Polychrome Frieze Panel

**Originally Listed At $500**

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century BCE. A remarkably colorful stucco-coated terracotta tile/panel from a frieze, with a series of elegant acanthus leaves and arches. Pale pink, dark purple, and sky blue pigment give an idea of how bright this would have been when originally in place. Tiles like this one were made in molds and then given a coat of stucco after firing to act as a surface for painting. Our understanding of the colorful Classical world is slowly being uncovered, with fragmentary panels like this one revealing the wide palette available to Roman artisans. That sky blue color, in particular, seems to have been popular for use in backgrounds, especially during the Augustan period. Size: 4.95" W x 2.05" H (12.6 cm x 5.2 cm); 3.25" H (8.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Dr. Sid Port collection, California, USA, acquired in the 1980s

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.

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#143863
Condition Report: Piece is a fragment as shown. Pigment is incredibly preserved. Tiny repaired/restored area on one lower side.