Roman Stone Statuette of a Priest
Circa 3rd-4th century A.D. Depicted standing on a rounded base with rim, wearing a long-sleeved tunica talaris and pallium; his right hand hidden in the folds of the cloak and the left hand holding the remains of a scroll or sistrum; simple crepida footwear of Greek typology visible beneath the hem of the cloak; provincial workmanship. Cf. Kenan, T.E., Aphrodisias, Istanbul, 1993, figs.pp.136,141; see Houston, M.G., Ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine costume and decoration, London, 1977, for clothing. 11.4 kg, 41.5 cm high (16 1/4 in.).

Ex Paris collection. French gallery, Paris, 1990-2000s. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This item has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11926-209625.

The dress and the posture of the character recalls that of the famous 4th century statue of a Roman priest in the Musée de Cluny (Paris) said by many to be the portrait of Emperor Julian II (361-363 A.D.). It has the same posture, the same garments, a scroll in the left hand, and wears the same Greek-style sandals that denote the characteristic costume of a social class.

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