Italian, 19th/ early 20th century After the Antique

The mask has a restored slightly open vein running from the top right to the lower left. There is veining to the alabaster consistent with material. There a number of naturally occurring inclusions, including a minor filled inclusion to the forehead consistent with material. There are two drilled holes on the underside for mounting. There is minor wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. Otherwise the condition of the mask is good. There is some minor wear to the edges of the base and there are a few green moisture stains to the ledge.
"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."

The present mask is probably based upon an oscillum, a type of Roman decorative object, which took the form of a theatrical mask, disc, shield or rectangular relief. Made of marble and sometimes polychromed, they feature in Pompeian wall paintings, suspended from garlands hanging within fictive colonnades. Given that oscilla are often decorated with Dionysiac imagery, it is likely that they were connected with cult ritual, while also being seen to have apotropaic properties.