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A Marble Portrait Head of Gordian III, Roman Imperial, circa A.D. 238-241
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 USD
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Description
- A Marble Portrait Head of Gordian III
- marble
- Height 9 in. 22.9 cm.
turned slightly to his right, the eyes with incised pupils and drilled crescentic pupils, with short-cropped stippled hair and sideburns; the nose and proper upper right side of the head formerly restored in marble, the underside of the neck carved flat, probably for mounting on a bust.
Provenance
European private collection, 18th/19th Century (based on restoration techniques)
English private collection, acquired between 1950-1975 (Bonhams, London, May 1st, 2013, no. 97, illus.)
English private collection, acquired between 1950-1975 (Bonhams, London, May 1st, 2013, no. 97, illus.)
Condition
Neck cut in modern times for attachment to bust or statue, probably at the same time that the nose was cut down and restored in marble (restoration now lost). Surface repolished overall and ears cut down in the process. Shallow loss on proper right side of head above ear, and the surface scored, probably to accommodate a now lost marble restoration. Chip on proper right brow.
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
For related youthful portraits of Gordian III see J. Bracker, in M. Wegner, ed., Gordianus III. Bis Carinus (Das römische Herrscherbild, 3,3), Berlin, 1979, pls. 7 (Berlin, Staatliche Museen, Antikensammlung, inv. no. R102: http://arachne.uni-koeln.de/item/objekt/2262) and 8 (Paris, Musée du Louvre, inv. no. 1063), Also see J. Raeder, Die antiken Skulpturen in Petworth House (West Sussex) (Monumenta Artis Romanae, vol. 28), Mainz am Rhein, no. 51, pl. 66 (http://arachne.uni-koeln.de/item/objekt/25166).