Two Marble Relief Fragments, Roman Imperial, Tetrarchic, circa late 3rd/early 4th Century A.D.

each from the end of a strigillated sarcophagus, one carved with the figure of the Good Shepherd holding a sheep on his shoulders, the other with the figure of a shepherd leaning on his lagobolon and holding a Pan flute in his right hand, both shepherds wearing leggings and a short tunic.

acquired between 1957 and 1972

Relief on left is repaired across waist and legs, and original raised sarcophagus edge at left edge and top edge was cut back to be flush with the background, evidently a long time ago. Relief on right is repaired across neck with a small fill at right, and edges at right and top are also cut back. On both fragments note wear, chips and abrasions evident in the photo, and that head of ram is much damaged across top.
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.

For closely related figures of the Good Shepherd on the right ends of strigillated sarcophagi see H. Brandenburg et al., Repertorium der christlich-antiken Sarkophage, Wiesbaden, 1967, no. 994, pl. 159, and no. 1014, pl. 163.

For Denys Sutton see note to lot 15