AN ITALIAN SIENA MARBLE REDUCTION OF THE TOMB OF SCIPIO
Lot 507

AN ITALIAN SIENA MARBLE REDUCTION OF THE TOMB OF SCIPIO

EARLY 19TH CENTURY, AFTER THE ANTIQUE

Closed22 January 2009

Price Realised

GBP 2,750

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AN ITALIAN SIENA MARBLE REDUCTION OF THE TOMB OF SCIPIO
EARLY 19TH CENTURY, AFTER THE ANTIQUE
On a black marble plinth base, with an indistinct inscription to the underside of the lid
4 in. (10 cm.) high; 8 in. (20 cm.) wide; 2½ in. (6.5 cm.) deep

Miss Alderson (according to 1887 Catalogue), by whom given to Sir Henry FitzHerbert, 3rd Bt., (1783-1858).

Specialist note

The sarcophagus of Lucius Cornelius Scipio Barbatus, celebrated conqueror of the Etruscans in 298 BC was discovered in 1780 in the Tomb of the Scipios on the Appian Way, and later transported by Pius VI to Rome's Pio-Clementino Museum.

It is inscribed with Scipio's epitaph:- 'Lucius Cornelius Scipio Barbatus, the son of Gnaeus, a courageous and wise man; he was a consul censor, and councillor in your country. He conquered Taurasia and Cisauna, in the Samnium, and subjugated the whole of Lucania, whence he brought back hostages'.