- 45
A Basalt Torso of a Youth, perhaps Alexandria, Roman Imperial, circa 1st Century A.D.
Estimate
50,000 - 80,000 USD
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Description
- A Basalt Torso of a Youth, perhaps Alexandria, Roman Imperial
- Basalt
- Height 18 in. 45.7 cm.
turned to his left with his right upper arm pressed across his chest, remains of a support against the left thigh.
Provenance
Ars Antiqua AG, Lucerne, Auktion II. Antike Kunstwerke, May 14th, 1960, no. 52, pl. 23
German private collection, acquired from Kunsteck, Munich, November 28th, 1961
German private collection, acquired from Kunsteck, Munich, November 28th, 1961
Condition
Front as shown, trapezoidal neck support or stylized hair on nape of neck, entire back more summarily carved than front with file marks overall, gash across left buttock, and deep chip on fragmentary right buttock, entire surface might have been waxed at some point.
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
The author of the 1960 auction catalogue entry identifies the present sculpture as a Hellenistic Alexandrian representation of Harpocrates, based on the silencing gesture which the god often makes by bringing his right forefinger to his lips. The posture is reminiscent of the Eros Stringing his Bow by Lysippos, only reversed.