Lot Essay
With her relaxed stance leaning on a column, this may be a representation of a Muse, one of the nine goddesses of arts and science. They were a popular choice of decoration from the Hellenistic Period, and continued to be used by the Romans for the embellishment of theatres, baths, private estates, and in relief on sarcophagi. For a sarcophagus decorated with Muses, see no. 84, pp. 171-177 in F. Baratte and C. Metzger, Musée du Louvre, Catalogue des sarcophages en pierre d'époques romaine et paléochrétienne.