A Marble Clipeus Erotes Sarcophagus, Roman Imperial, 3rd Century A.D.

the front carved in relief with two flying erotes looking back and holding a central medallion (clipeus) containing the funerary portrait bust of a boy emerging from a kalyx of acanthus leaves, his garment falling from his right shoulder, a cockfight depicted below attended by two erotes egging on the fowl between two tripod tables, a quiver and a bow in the field, each corners each occupied by a seated playing music, each short side finely carved with a striding griffin raising its front paw

Surface slightly worn overall, the bodies of both the seated and winged Erotes slightly re-polished, as is the central portrait bust. Minor losses restored in plaster (mostly crumbling), including the hair of the seated satyr at the left; the toes of the winged Erote at the left; the nose and mouth of the portrait bust; the hair of the small figure at the left below the portrait bust medallion; part of the feet of the tripod table; the nose, mouth, proper right ankle, and proper left toes of the winged Erote at the right. Two circular holes drilled in the front for secondary use of the sarcophagus as a fountain, both holes now filled with plaster. Three areas of the lower edge formerly restored in marble, with three circular mortise holes used for the iron pins still visible. A vertical crack running from the top edge through the wing and arms of the right flying Erote, filled with plaster and strengthened with a fast decaying iron clamp. A fragment (14 x 17 cm) detached from the back near the corner, reattached with one rusty iron clamp. A long vertical crack from top to bottom to the back, reinforced with two rusty iron clamps. The proper right short side of the sarcophagus has a circular hole at the bottom, filled with lead, and a small part of the griffin's hind quarters and back legs appear to be restored in plaster. On the proper left short side, there are splotches of plaster throughout, but no restoration. Two ancient grooves on the edge at either end of the sarcophagus, which were originally meant to secure the lid. One groove has remains of the original lead clamp. Comes with two stone corbel shaped supports, each about 40cm high, and a somewhat distressed lead tub, with rounded ends and a grille inside, which permits the sarcophagus to be used as a planter.
"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."