ROMAN IMPERIAL BRONZE FOOT FROM A MONUMENTAL STATUE

Ca. AD 150 - 250. A substantial hollow-cast bronze foot from a larger-than-life-size statue, modelled wearing an exceptionally ornate, high-sided shoe of broadly calceus-like form. The five exposed toes are individually articulated, with carefully rendered nails and joints, while the shoe rests upon a thick, double-moulded sole following the anatomical outline of the foot. Its richly worked upper is arranged in coherent decorative registers, combining rows of rosettes and circular bosses with scrolling tendrils, palmettes and stylised foliate motifs. A diamond-patterned panel extends across the instep, framed by raised bands and overlapping elements suggestive of straps or applied leather ornament. Around the ankle, the decoration becomes increasingly sculptural, terminating in folded foliate forms and possible ram-headed elements distinguished by prominent curled horns. The hollow interior, relatively thin walls and integral relief decoration are consistent with manufacture by the indirect lost-wax casting process. The irregular upper edge marks the point at which the foot became separated from the lower leg, leaving an open cavity containing residual earthen deposits. The surface is covered by an extensive green and turquoise patina, interspersed with darker brown accretions and occasional areas of exposed metal. Its scale, elaborate ceremonial footwear and ambitious workmanship suggest that it originally belonged to an important public, honorific or religious statue, although the identity of the represented figure cannot be determined from the surviving fragment alone. Restored. For similar see: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Object Number: 18.145.24; The British Museum, Museum number 1784,0131.5; Musei Capitolini Inventario: inv. MC3247. Size: 150mm x 260mm; Weight: 2.1kg Provenance: Private UK collection; previously part of an Oxfordshire ancient art collection; acquired from a Canadian collection formed prior to 2000. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.

Estimation:€3,577

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