Roman column decorated with laurel , Augustan Period, c.1st century BC-1st century AD
Marble
Height: 90.8cm, diameter: 20cm
12517 TA
€ 58,000
Further images
An evocative and highly decorative column with an intricate foliate design. The surface is carved in low relief with laurel branches which spiral around the shafts, the leaves delicately rendered...
An evocative and highly decorative column with an intricate foliate design. The surface is carved in low relief with laurel branches which spiral around the shafts, the leaves delicately rendered to show their undulating surfaces. The laurel fruits are scattered amongst the foliage at the tips of small off-shoots. The bottoms of the columns have been cut away, and the tops have the remains of a simple torus moulding. The surface weathered and with some chips around the torus.
Having an area of lavish and luscious greenery in the centre of the house was a nod to the Romans’ agrarian roots as well as demonstating their control over the natural world. This area was known as the peristyle, and was the perfect setting for ornamental gardens. The peristyle gardens were carefully tended and were adorned by sculpture of marble and bronze, that often evoked the domain of the gods. They were an area of tranquillity and contemplation, exemplifying the Roman desire to create spaces of luxus and otium (luxury and relaxation).
Laurel held a wide range of meanings for the ancient Romans. Wreaths made of its leaves were given to victors of games, and were used for crowning military men and emperors who were successful in their martial campaigns. Laurel was also associated with the god Apollo who is often depicted wearing a laurel wreath: it was a laurel bush that Daphne was turned into when pursued by the god. The laurel bush was also identified with Augustus, who was emperor around the time these columns were created, and the plant was believed to promote health and wealth. Indeed, the leaves of laurus nobilis, or the bay tree as we know it, are used still in cooking today.
Having an area of lavish and luscious greenery in the centre of the house was a nod to the Romans’ agrarian roots as well as demonstating their control over the natural world. This area was known as the peristyle, and was the perfect setting for ornamental gardens. The peristyle gardens were carefully tended and were adorned by sculpture of marble and bronze, that often evoked the domain of the gods. They were an area of tranquillity and contemplation, exemplifying the Roman desire to create spaces of luxus and otium (luxury and relaxation).
Laurel held a wide range of meanings for the ancient Romans. Wreaths made of its leaves were given to victors of games, and were used for crowning military men and emperors who were successful in their martial campaigns. Laurel was also associated with the god Apollo who is often depicted wearing a laurel wreath: it was a laurel bush that Daphne was turned into when pursued by the god. The laurel bush was also identified with Augustus, who was emperor around the time these columns were created, and the plant was believed to promote health and wealth. Indeed, the leaves of laurus nobilis, or the bay tree as we know it, are used still in cooking today.
Provenance
Private collection, Europe; with 19th century additions, now removed but preserved
Private collection, Paris, France
Exhibitions
Mazzoleni, London, UK, 'Mythology Reinterpreted. A Journey through Ancient Inspiration in Modern and Contemporary Art', 8th October-6th December 2024Literature
Compare a pair of very similar columns which adorned the peristyle garden at the House of the Vetii, in Paul Roberts, Life and Death in Pompeii and Herculaneum (London, 2013), p.150, and for a close up of the same columns see Pompeji Wiederentdeckt (Rome, 1992), nos.181-182
