Roman Marble Cornice Fragment Group

Modelled nude with legs thrust forward, left arm forward from the body, right arm held to the rear with hand forming a fist, diadem to the brow; mounted on a custom-made stand. 71 grams total, 78 mm including stand



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

Unlike the British Museum statuette, our figure is represented in the heroic nudity of the warrior on horseback, even if the position is identical. It is very likely that the statuette represents one of the Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux, and perhaps it was part of a pair of twins on horseback.

Fragments of wall plaster with rendered surface with incised detailing to the edge; impression of timber laths to the reverse. 662 grams total, 6.5-10.6 cm



Acquired in the 19th century. Ex Jeger collection, Switzerland.

These small fragments, for analogies with the fragments of Pompeii, seems to belong to the second style of Roman painting, red panels representing highlight and shadow, decorated with vegetal interlaces. Some panels were probably framed by a red grenade fillet. A fragment shows alternate blue and red colour over a cream background, maybe pertinent to a socle.

With broad hoop, plaque with cell and applied wire collar, inset jasper cabochon with intaglio bird and teasel motif. 4.58 grams, 20.55 mm overall, 17.07 mm internal diameter (approximate size British K, USA 5 1/4, Europe 9.95, Japan 9)



UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.