Lot 23
  • 23

A ROMAN MARBLE FIGURE OF AN ATHLETE, CIRCA 1ST/2ND CENTURY A.D. | A Roman Marble Figure of an Athlete

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
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Description

  • marble
  • Height 29.2 cm.
standing with his weight on the right leg, the left arm held back and slightly raised, traces of an attribute on the left shoulder, navel incised, pubic hair with small drill holes, traces of the support behind his right leg, traces of a small circular strut on the torso in front of his left arm; no restorations.

Provenance

John Hewett (1919-1994), London, perhaps acquired from Robin Symes
James Freeman, Kyoto, probably acquired from the above in the early 1970s
acquired from the above by Willard and Elizabeth Clark on December 21st, 1980

Condition

As shown. Small chips and abrasions overall. Original polish better preserved in front than in back. Abraded buttocks, proper left shoulder, and back of proper left arm.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

As indicated by the position of the circular strut, the left lower arm was horizontally bent. It likely held a spear resting on the left shoulder; this would explain the traces on the shoulder. The statuette can therefore be called a „Doryphoros“, a spear-bearer. Despite the obvious similarities to the famous Doryphoros by Polykleitos (see S. Kansteiner et al., eds., Der Neue Overbeck, vol. 2, pp. 477ff., no. 9), an identification of the present statuette as a miniature copy of this type should be met with caution, since there are no known small-scale Doryphoroi.