- 155
A Marble Sarcophagus with Erotes, Roman Imperial, circa A.D. 200-220
Estimate
125,000 - 175,000 USD
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Description
- A Marble Sarcophagus with Erotes
- Marble
- height 20 1/2 in.; length 79 1/2 in.; depth 23 1/4 in.
the front panel carved in high relief with two erotes in flight holding a circular medallion decorated with a head of Medusa or gorgoneion, two couchant felines below, each facing an overturned krater filled with fruit, a standing erote at each end holding a torch and wearing a loose chlamys over his shoulders, both short ends carved with a griffin in shallow relief.
Provenance
Wright Ludington, Santa Barbara, California, acquired in the middle part of the last century
Condition
Generally very good and as shown. There are two long cracks on the front panel. The griffin at the proper left end has been cut down flat and there is no decoration. The surface of the remaining griffin is quite rough. Note chips on rim and other edges. there are two small holes near the top, perhaps for clamps to attach a lid. The rough back of the sarcophagus has one long crack and the remains of copper and plastic pipes coming out of two holes. The sarcophagus has been reused in modern times, perhaps as a fountain, and the interior is now lined with metal beneath an inner marble rim, and three holes are pierced through the front. Overall surface is quite worn and weathered with minor chips and abrasions overall.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Related examples in Rome are in the Church of S. Maria dell' Anima (J. Wilpert, I sarcofagi Cristiani antichi, vol. III, Rome, 1936, pl. CCLXXIV, 5), and on the via S. Stefano del Cacco (K. Schauenburg, in Archäologischer Anzeiger, p. 508, fig. 9, p. 511). Also see F. Baratte and C. Metzger, Musée du Louvre. Catalogue des sarcophages en pierre d'époques romaine et paléochrétienne, Paris, 1985, no. 125, p. 213-214, formerly in the Borghese Collection.