Roman relief fragment

Roman relief fragment
ITEM: Relief fragment
MATERIAL: Marble
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 2nd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 110 mm x 125 mm x 68 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Portuguese private collection, acquired between 1980 - 1990

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Roman reliefs are an essential aspect of Roman art and architecture, known for their detailed and dynamic depictions of historical events, mythology, daily life, and portraits. These reliefs were commonly carved into marble, limestone, or other durable materials and adorned various structures such as altars, triumphal arches, sarcophagi, and public buildings. The use of relief sculpture allowed Roman artists to create intricate narratives and convey complex messages, serving both decorative and propagandistic purposes.

One of the most famous examples of Roman reliefs is the frieze on the Ara Pacis, the Altar of Peace, dedicated in 9 BCE to commemorate Emperor Augustus's return from his campaigns in Gaul and Hispania. The reliefs on the Ara Pacis depict a procession of the imperial family, priests, and senators, capturing a moment of civic and religious harmony. The high level of detail, naturalistic figures, and dynamic composition reflect the Roman emphasis on realism and the importance of political propaganda. By illustrating Augustus's achievements and the prosperity of his reign, the reliefs reinforced the emperor's legitimacy and the ideals of peace and stability.

Another significant example is the reliefs on the Column of Trajan, completed in 113 CE, which celebrate Emperor Trajan's victory in the Dacian Wars. The column's spiral relief narrates the entire campaign, from the army's departure to the final victory, with over 2,500 figures depicted in meticulous detail. These reliefs not only serve as a visual record of the military conquest but also emphasize the emperor's role as a strong and capable leader.

Measurement:	12.5 x 11 cm
Depth:	6.8 cm