Roman Fresco Painted Wall Plaster Collection

Depicted standing on a rounded base with rim, wearing a long-sleeved tunica talaris and pallium; his right hand hidden in the folds of the cloak and the left hand holding the remains of a scroll or sistrum; simple crepida footwear of Greek typology visible beneath the hem of the cloak; provincial workmanship. 11.4 kg, 41.5 cm high



Ex Paris collection. French gallery, Paris, 1990-2000s. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This item has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11926-209625.

The dress and the posture of the character recalls that of the famous 4th century statue of a Roman priest in the Musée de Cluny (Paris) said by many to be the portrait of Emperor Julian II (361-363 A.D.). It has the same posture, the same garments, a scroll in the left hand, and wears the same Greek-style sandals that denote the characteristic costume of a social class.

With a keeled hoop having a Greek inscription to both sides beneath the bezel; expanding shoulders with triangular panels engraved with palmettes; tiered bezel, the lower level with incised Greek key design to the short edges, the second level with a zig-zag pattern around the perimeter, the round top part with an incised bird motif. 10.38 grams, 27.41 mm overall, 17.36 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)



Ex London art market, 1990s.

With intaglio ship under sail with banks of oars; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 0.94 grams, 14 mm



From the collection of a Swiss gentleman formed in Europe from 1970-1980s; thence by descent from the family in London.