Lot 56
GALLO-ROMAN MARBLE HEAD WITH INSCRIPTIONS
WESTERN EUROPE, 2ND - 5TH CENTURY A.D.
Auction: 26 November 2026 from 14:00 GMT
Description
carved and heavily weathered marble, depicting a male figure with short, stylised hair, carved with simplified facial features, a prominent nose and closed mouth, the head is formed from a roughly worked rectangular section of marble, with inscriptions (likely medieval in date) to the sides and top of the head
Dimensions
43.2cm tall
Provenance
Private collection, United Kingdom, acquired on the French art market;
Private collection, France, acquired mid-20th century and thence by descent
Footnote
The present piece was likely at one point part of a larger architectural element, Of particular interest on are the deeply incised markings to the sides and top, which appear to have been added at a later date. It has been suggested that these represent schematic depictions of ecclesiastical buildings, perhaps executed as a form of devotional graffiti. One composition comprises a rectangular structure with a round-headed doorway, whilst elsewhere crosses appear to surmount domed architectural forms. Although somewhat rudimentary in execution, the depth of the incisions suggests a degree of deliberation beyond casual sketching.