{"product_id":"rs2601","title":"A Roman Marble Relief Fragment with Mare and Foal, Roman Imperial Period, 1st - 3rd century CE","description":"\u003cp\u003eFinely carved in high relief, this fragmentary marble panel depicts a mare lowering her head protectively toward her nursing foal. Despite the fragmentary nature of the composition, the sculptor conveyed a notable sense of tenderness and naturalism through the intimate interaction between the two animals. The grouping likely formed part of a larger decorative program, possibly from a sarcophagus frieze, funerary monument, or architectural revetment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnimal imagery played an important role in Roman decorative arts, particularly in funerary contexts, where scenes drawn from nature could symbolize care, continuity, fertility, and renewal. The sensitive rendering of the mare’s bowed head and the colt positioned beneath her body reflects the Roman interest in naturalistic observation inherited from earlier Hellenistic traditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraces of original blue pigment remain in the carving's recessed areas, providing rare evidence of the vibrant polychromy that once enlivened Roman marble sculpture. Although modern viewers often associate classical marble with monochrome surfaces, many Roman reliefs and statuary were originally painted in vivid colors. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMedium:\u003c\/b\u003e Marble \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Height: 4 3\/4 inches (12 cm), Width: 5 1\/4 inches (13 cm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e Fragmentary as preserved, with expected losses and surface wear consistent with age. Traces of original blue polychrome remain visible. Mounted on a custom mid-20th century display base. Overall, in good condition and visually compelling.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/b\u003e Private New York City collection, acquired from Sotheby Parke Bernet, January 21, 1975, sale number 395, lot 239, with lot sticker and a copy of the sales receipt. Old collection stickers and a yellow Sotheby's sales sticker on the base.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lark Mason Associates","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57948124086575,"sku":"RS2601","price":6500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/94d6196616ad655dd213d2767dcacdb4.jpg?v=1778874057","url":"https:\/\/sandsoftimedc.com\/products\/rs2601","provider":"Sands of Time Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}