RARE ROMAN MARBLE DEPICTING AMALTHEA GOAT AND A FEMALE FIGURE

Ca. AD 100 - 200. A finely carved marble group depicting the goat Amalthea accompanied by a probably female figure. The animal advances with its head gently lowered, its attentive eye, elongated muzzle and ears rendered with notable sensitivity. Long, deeply incised locks articulate the heavy coat, creating a vigorous contrast with the smoothly modelled body. Beside the animal survives the fragmentary figure of a youthful attendant, probably female, her legs framed by the deeply carved folds of a short tunic and mantle. The close arrangement of the figures creates an intimate pastoral composition, although the precise identity of the attendant remains uncertain. The interplay of high relief and elements carved almost entirely in the round lends the group considerable depth and movement. Preserved as a substantial fragment, with losses to the attendant and surrounding composition, together with chips, surface wear, abrasions and mineral deposits consistent with age. For similar se: Christie's, Live Auction 19058, Ancient Art from the James and Marilynn Alsdorf collection, Lot. 28 Size: mm x mm; Weight: g Provenance: Private London collection; formerly in a Somerset estate collection; acquired on the UK art market in the 1990s. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.

Estimate:$6,697.61

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