LOT 0118

Larger Than Life-Size Roman Bronze Foot Insert From a Statue

1ST-3RD CENTURY A.D.

5 1/2 in. (847 grams total, 14 cm).

Hollow-formed front left sandaled foot with draped hem of a vestis talaris across the rear edge and tiered sole to the footwear, traces of gilding; supplied with a custom-made wooden stand.

Acquired in Germany in 2001.
Acquired by the present owner from the above.

Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12192-222323.

For a possible similar sandaled foot of goddess Tutela see Boucher, S., Inventaire des Collections Publiques Françaises - 17 Vienne: Bronzes Antiques, Paris, 1971, pp.52-55, no.13; for similar pieces see Boucher, S., Tassinari, S., Musée de la civilisation Gallo-Romaine a Lyon, Bronze Antiques, Lyon, 1976, nos.83-85; also Cooley, A.E., Cooley, M.G.L., Pompeii and Herculaneum, New York, 2014; Sebesta, J.L., & Bonfante, L.,The World of Roman Costume, Madison, 2001.

The detailed bronze foot exhibits an incredible rendering of the smallest details; its dimensions suggest that the statue to which it belonged was nearly a human size sculpture, possibly a goddess, based on the footwear. Statues of the gods and goddesses were usually gilded.