ROMAN MARBLE SARCOPHAGUS LID
EARLY 3RD CENTURY A.D.
£4,536
Antiquities and African & Oceanic Art
Auction: Antiquities - 31 July 2024 at 2pm
Description
carved marble, at either side of the central inscription panel recline Ver (spring), Aestas (summer), Autumnus (Autumn) and Hiems (winter), symbolising the regenerative cycles of life, each is attended by putti, each bearing vines, reaching towards agricultural produce or lightly touching the drapery
Dimensions
160cm wide
Provenance
Provenance:
Cassencarie House, acquired mid-late 19th century by Sir James Caird MP (1816 – 1892), thence by family descent
Footnote
Note:
The present piece is known to have resided in the collection of the Henryson-Cairds of Cassencarie House, Kirkcudbrightshire since the late 19th century. It was acquired by Sir James Caird prior to 1892. A photo is provided of the piece on display in the Hall of Arcaded Apartment in Cassencarie House, taken in August 1958.
Sir James Caird was a British politician who served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for many years. He represented the Glasgow and then the Central Division of Glasgow constituencies from 1885 to 1916. Caird was a prominent figure in the Liberal Party, known for his advocacy of social reforms and his support for free trade policies. He played a significant role in shaping legislation related to labor rights and welfare during his parliamentary career. Caird's contributions to politics and social reform earned him respect and recognition both within his party and across the political spectrum.