Lot 960
Head of Youthful Satyr in "Giallo Antico" Marble. Roman, 1st to early 2nd century AD. The marble a delightful golden-tan color, almost on the verge of a rich yellow-orange. The features of the childish satyr are elegant and very refined -- almost feminine. His hair wreathed with vine leaves and a berry or grape cluster knotted over the forehead. The eyes deeply carved, and probably once set with inlays. Areas of dark encrustations, lightly cleaned. Although fragmentary, the light plays wonderfully over the features, giving them at times a air of blissful joy, or ferocious solemnity. Height: 5-3/8"; on custom stand. A splendid object for those who like their antiquities to look both old and beautiful, plus in a rare material too.
Estimated Value $4,500 - 5,500.
Zagotti Collection, published in 1902. Giallo Antico (Marmo Di Numidia) was quarried in Numidia near the ancient City of Symittius (now Chemton, Tunisia). The quarries were first operated by the Numidian kings, and then later by the Romans, with whom this material was immediately popular. With them the material saw widespread use from the end of the second century B.C. on. Later, the Roman emperors used the stone for their lavish building projects, including the Forum of Augustus (c. 12 BC.) and the Pantheon (c. 130 A.D.).
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| Realized $4,485 |
