Roman Style Marble Head of a Noble Lady

Mainly flat and plano-convex carnelian inserts with low-relief beast images. 26 grams total, 15-26 mm



Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a North London, UK, gentleman.

Figure of Christ lying on a rectangular panel, dressed in a loincloth and with the hammer, nail and pliers of the crucifixion left at his side with the crown of thorns; stacked cushions beneath his head, winding sheet draped over his lower body. 25.35 kg, 48.5 x 25.5 cm



Private collection, England. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12307-215653.

The ecclesiastical statuary of the late Baroque and early Rococo periods focused heavily on the theme of the passion of Christ, with statues representing the sleeping Jesus, with the symbols of the passion next to him. The position of our sculpture is particularly reminiscent of the marvellous statue of the 'Veiled Christ' by Giuseppe Sammartino, a masterpiece of 18th century religious sculpture. The anatomy of the limbs is realistic, and the instruments of passion, placed at the feet of Christ, create a narrative, also visible in the folds of the veil that covers half of the body.

Irregular cordiform angel in lead framing; head of a bearded man with downcast gaze, tousled hair. 80 grams, 14 cm



with Rieunier & Associes, 25 October 2004, no.52. Accompanied by a copy of a two page illustrated catalogue information page.