Relief fragment - Roman Empire 1st / 3rd century AD

This incredible limestone relief from the Imperial period shows the remains of two figures dressed in Roman style. It has been dated to around the 1st and 3rd centuries AD. Although the country of origin is unknown, the togas worn by the figures place the work within the Roman Empire.
The relief is composed of two figures, of which only the lower parts are visible. The figure on the right, with bare feet, appears to be wearing a long, pleated toga covering part of his feet. The figure leans slightly on his left leg and raises his right foot in a movement towards the left.
The figure on the left, meanwhile, retains just one foot, covered and pointed. Her clothes are long, the drapery pleated, and several layers of fabric cascade down her body. The two figures are separated by a straight, columnar decorative element.
The relief, though fragmentary, offers a certain impression of movement and fluidity, underlined both by the drape of the clothes and the contrapposto of the figure on the right.
The Romans' use of limestone is not surprising. Although less precious than marble, it was nevertheless used in a wide range of works, from statuary to architecture. Moreover, it was the Romans who introduced limestone quarrying to Gaul.
Moreover, in regions further away from the Empire, the use of limestone was firmly rooted in tradition. In Cyprus, for example, the production of limestone sculpture is attested as early as the Archaic period (8th century BC - 5th century BC), and takes on several Roman influences during the Imperial period.
The presence of the toga helps situate our work. In ancient Rome, the toga was a symbol of citizenship. As such, it is often seen in works depicting scenes of Roman life. Here, the toga is long, dragging along the ground, partially covering the figures' feet. The folds of the garment are prominent, creating an impression of fluidity.
The figure on the left, although it features only a single leg, offers a few particularities. Firstly, such pointed feet are quite rare in Roman art of the Imperial period. An example can be found in a marble statue of the goddess Hecate, dating from the 2nd century CE and housed at the Met Museum in New York.
Secondly, the folds in the drapery around her knee suggest that the figure may be seated, or performing an exaggerated contrapposto.
Although fragmentary, the work is a striking testimony to the production quality of limestone works from the Roman Imperial period.

( Good condition. Restoration to reunite the two pieces. French private collection, family of architects. Acquired before 1980 )