Roman Marble Figure of a Seated Laughing Actor
Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A delightful figure of a seated comedic actor, probably one playing a slave, hand-carved from a creamy white marble that glows warmly in the light. The figure appears to have been mounted on a staff or pole, as it has a thick socket on its underside. He is shown with his legs folded and his hands crossed over his lap, with some kind of pillow or seat carved beneath him. He wears a richly textured piece of clothing that covers nearly his entire body. His head is tilted back as if laughing, his mask carved to emphasize his massive open mouth and wide, staring eyes. The figure was likely once painted bright colors. Size: 2.05" W x 3.25" H (5.2 cm x 8.3 cm)
Theatre was hugely popular in ancient Rome, and also provided an important outlet for citizens to express their political leanings - sound familiar? Much Roman comedy was based on subverting expectations, such as disguising a young woman to appear undesirable or having a slave outsmart a master. This figure is likely a slave, based on his seated position - see the marble statuette of a figure in a similar pose at the British Museum, linked to below - which indicates that he is seeking refuge at an altar. This is the result of the slave having committed some transgression that he knows his master will punish him for - but his smiling face and general air of insouciant defiance suggests that the joke ultimately will be on the master.
See another marble sculpture of an actor portraying a slave at the British Museum (1805,0703.45).
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-private Upper West Side, New York, New York, USA collection, acquired in 1980's
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.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#149167
Condition Report: Light wear on surface commensurate with age including a few small chips, nicks, and scratches. Light deposits with the creamy stone surface shining through in most areas.
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Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A delightful figure of a seated comedic actor, probably one playing a slave, hand-carved from a creamy white marble that glows warmly in the light. The figure appears to have been mounted on a staff or pole, as it has a thick socket on its underside. He is shown with his legs folded and his hands crossed over his lap, with some kind of pillow or seat carved beneath him. He wears a richly textured piece of clothing that covers nearly his entire body. His head is tilted back as if laughing, his mask carved to emphasize his massive open mouth and wide, staring eyes. The figure was likely once painted bright colors. Size: 2.05" W x 3.25" H (5.2 cm x 8.3 cm)
Theatre was hugely popular in ancient Rome, and also provided an important outlet for citizens to express their political leanings - sound familiar? Much Roman comedy was based on subverting expectations, such as disguising a young woman to appear undesirable or having a slave outsmart a master. This figure is likely a slave, based on his seated position - see the marble statuette of a figure in a similar pose at the British Museum, linked to below - which indicates that he is seeking refuge at an altar. This is the result of the slave having committed some transgression that he knows his master will punish him for - but his smiling face and general air of insouciant defiance suggests that the joke ultimately will be on the master.
See another marble sculpture of an actor portraying a slave at the British Museum (1805,0703.45).
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-private Upper West Side, New York, New York, USA collection, acquired in 1980's
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.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#149167
Condition Report: Light wear on surface commensurate with age including a few small chips, nicks, and scratches. Light deposits with the creamy stone surface shining through in most areas.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
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