A Marble Relief Fragment, Roman Imperial, Antonine, circa A.D. 150-160

from the front panel of a sarcophagus, carved in high relief with hunters bringing home the body of Meleager, a tree in the background.

Francis Nevile Reid (1826-1892), Villa Rufolo, Ravello
Charles Carmichael Lacaita (1853-1933), Villa Rufolo, Ravello
Mrs. Tallon-Lacaita, Villa Rufolo, until 1939, then Paris
by descent to the present owner

Carl Robert, Die antiken Sarkophagreliefs, part III.2: Einzelmythen, Berlin, 1904, no. 289 or 289a, pl. 89
Guntram Koch, Archäologischer Anzeiger, 1973, p. 293, no. 12, fig. 12
Guntram Koch, Die mythologischen Sarkophage, part VI: Meleager (Die Antiken Sarkophag-reliefs, vol. 12), Berlin, 1975, no. 97, pp. 115-116, fig. 7

As shown, note damage to faces, chip to end of Meleager's foot, missing arm of crouching figure supporting Meleager's leg, and fragmentary upper molding,surface well preserved, remains of red pigment over eyes of most of figures
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.

A 19th Century photograph taken in a vaulted chamber at the Villa Rufolo shows the present fragment, as well as another fragment from the same sarcophagus leaning against a column. Until now both these fragments were only known from line drawings.