Relief Fragment - Roman Empire - 1st / 3rd Century Ad

This incredible limestone relief from the imperial period shows the remains of two figures dressed in Roman style. Its dating is placed around the 1st and 3rd centuries AD. Although the country of origin is unknown, the togas worn by the figures place the work within the Roman Empire. The relief consists of two figures, of which only the lower parts are visible. The figure on the right, with bare feet, seems to wear a long pleated toga covering part of his feet. The figure leans lightly on its left leg and raises its right foot, in a movement towards the left. The figure on the left, for its part, retains only one foot, covered and pointed. Her clothes are long, the draping is pleated, and several layers of fabric cascade down her body. These two figures are separated by a straight decorative element, in the shape of a column. The relief, although fragmentary, offers a certain impression of movement and fluidity, emphasized both by the drape of the clothing and by the contrapposto of the figure on the right. The use of limestone by the Romans is not surprising. Less precious than marble, it is certainly found in many works, from statuary to architectural work. It was, moreover, the latter who introduced the exploitation of limestone into Gaul. Furthermore, in more remote regions of the Empire, the use of limestone is well anchored in traditions. In Cyprus, for example, the production of limestone sculpture is attested from the Archaic period (8th century BC - 5th century BC), and has several Roman influences, during the imperial period. The presence of the toga allows us to somewhat situate our work. In ancient Rome, the toga was the symbol of citizens. As a result, it is often visible in works representing scenes from Roman life. Here, the toga is long, trailing on the ground, partially covering the figures' feet. The folds of the garment are prominent, and create an impression of fluidity. The figure on the left, although it only shows one part of the leg, offers us some particularities. Firstly, it is quite rare to find such pointed feet in Roman art from the imperial period. An example can be seen in a marble representing the goddess Hecate, dated to the 2nd century AD and kept at the Met Museum in New York. Then, the folds of the drapery at the level of his knee suggest that the figure could be seated, or performing an exacerbated contrapposto. Although fragmentary, the work constitutes a striking testimony to the quality of production of limestone works from the Roman imperial era. (Good condition. Restoration to reunite the two pieces. French private collection, family of architects. Acquired before the 1980s)