Roman Limestone Stele with Nude Putti

2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D. AND LATER

15 x 24 1/4 in. (40.1 kg, 38 x 61.5 cm).

Rectangular in plan with recessed panels to the lower edge, central bust of the deceased boy in a tondo supported by two nude horizontal putti with their legs extended towards a short column; deep undercuts to the columns and recess; later inscription in seriffed capitals 'DM / Q LOLLIVS / LOLLIANVS / VIXIT ANNIS VI / MENSES.V. DIES .XVIII.' [No Reserve]

Provenance

From the private Netherlands collection of Mr Edward P. Van Dijk (1942-2024); his collection formed since the 1970s.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13243-251959.

Literature

Cf. Castagnoli, F., Il Vaticano nella Antichita' Classica, Roma, 1992, fig.135, for similar sarcophagi.

Footnotes

The inscription reports the usual dedication to the deceased, in this case a young boy six years of age: 'To the manes (spirits of the dead), Q(uintus) Lollius Lollianus, he lived 6 years, 5 months and 18 days'.

CONDITION

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LOT 0678