CIRCA 1ST CENTURY B.C./A.D.

The use of naturally occurring coloured marble became popular, beginning with the reign of Augustus (27 B.C.-14 A.D.), Rome’s first Emperor, and continuing throughout the Imperial period. The giallo antico marble quarried at Chemtou (Tunisia) was much esteemed, with the quarries being held as Imperial property. Pliny called the stone marmor numidicum, Numidia being the name of the region at that time. The colours vary from white, through clear yellow to dark orange-brown, others are brecciated with a red matrix or a warm salmon-pink. For a brief discussion on coloured marbles including the use of marmor numidicum for lions see p. 357 in M. De Nuccio and L. Ungaro, eds., I marmi colorati della Roma imperiale, 2003.
Maureen, Marchioness of Dufferin of Ava was born a Guinness, and enjoyed the life of The Bright Young Things, captured in the plays of Noel Coward and photographed by Cecil Beaton. She married Basil, later 4th Marquess of Dufferin and Ava, and was for many years chatelain of Clandeboye in County Down.