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Sale 134
Lot 945
Early Imperial Roman Marble Torso of a Heroic Male Youth, Likely Dionysos or Apollo. A powerfully modeled fragment of an early Imperial Roman marble torso is exemplary of the highest quality of carving and technical expertise of the 1st Century AD. This aesthetic Rome adapted after conquering the Greeks and the Mediterranean world from the middle of the Third Century BC to the First Century BC. When Greek states were sacked, artistic treasures were brought back to Rome as trophies. Because of the demand, Greek sculptures emigrated to help meet the demand, founded Neo-Attic schools where these aesthetic traditions were further developed.
This particular sculpture most closely associated with a type developed by Praxiteles in the middle of the 4th Century to test the limits of realistic representation and explore human form. To that end, the taste of the era for ideal muscular youths in sculpture was quickly popularized, the subjects of Apollo or Dionysos becoming immensely desirable.
The impression of this carved statue is one of strength and power. Patinated to a variety of warm ivory tones by centuries of burial, the original surface of the marble has survived, providing an opportunity to observe just how skilled the finest of the Imperial sculptors were. The technical expertise in interpreting the god's muscles is quite impressive that one can sense the bones beneath the flesh at the joints.
The scale is slightly smaller than life-size. Torso measures 14" in height (standing 18 inches on its museum quality custom base) 18" wide and 9" in depth. Weight is 110 pounds. On his shoulders are remnants of the leather straps likely from the diadem around his head. In magnificent relic condition, this is an exceptional ancient piece worthy of any level of collection.
Five page documentation and certificate of authenticity from Antiquarium Ltd. July 1998 plus 12 additional pages of background information.
Local pickup encourage otherwise outside shipping required to which we can recommend a trusted packing and shipping company. Estimated Value $8,000 - 15,000
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| Realized $10,938 |
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