Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
1st-3rd century AD
Length: 15.2 cm
Provenance: Property of a Private Foundation
Likely the index finger from an over-lifesized statue, perhaps of an emperor or god. The finger is extended as if pointing, with a subtle bend at the central joint, the nail sharply delineated.
The hand to which this finger once belonged was possibly shown clasping a spear or sceptre, with the thumb and index finger extended and the remaining three fingers curled inward.
Literature: Compare a gilded bronze hand from an over-lifesized statue, sold Christie's, New York, 9 December 2015, lot 65. See, too, the gesture adopted by the famous marble statue of Augustus from Prima Porta now in the Vatican Museums, the original of which is thought to have been completed in bronze.
1st-3rd century AD
Length: 15.2 cm
Provenance: Property of a Private Foundation
Likely the index finger from an over-lifesized statue, perhaps of an emperor or god. The finger is extended as if pointing, with a subtle bend at the central joint, the nail sharply delineated.
The hand to which this finger once belonged was possibly shown clasping a spear or sceptre, with the thumb and index finger extended and the remaining three fingers curled inward.
Literature: Compare a gilded bronze hand from an over-lifesized statue, sold Christie's, New York, 9 December 2015, lot 65. See, too, the gesture adopted by the famous marble statue of Augustus from Prima Porta now in the Vatican Museums, the original of which is thought to have been completed in bronze.