Roman Terracotta Figure of King Priam. 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D. A hollow-form figural group comprising an advancing old King Priam with his right arm raised, wearing a belted tunic and a diadem, hair arranged in orderly locks; behind him a smaller figure of a soldier wearing a plumed Pseudo-Attic helmet; the hand of the warrior is holding the old king; mounted on a custom-made display stand. Cf. relief with the death of Priam, in the Museum of Fine Art of Boston, accession no.04.15. 291 grams total, 18.5 cm high including stand (7 1/4 in.). (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.)

Private Swiss collection, 1971. with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The scene probably represents the old King Priam's plea to Achilles' son, Neoptolemus, to spare his son Polites, whom the Greek warrior is about to kill. It is made in a strong classical style with precise costume details, such as the royal diadem, the long sleeved Phrygian-type tunic and the king's belt.

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