Cosmatesque Fragment

Imperial Porphyry, Green Porphyry, giallo antico, white marble 

Italian  

Early 13th century 

This piece offers a glimpse into a world where craftsmanship and antiquity intertwine. The exact pattern and materials used relate to the panels in the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum; which according to Duveen, from Gaeta, Cathedral of Sant'Erasmo and San Marciano.

Six lines inlaid with rich hues of red porphyry, green porphyry, giallo antico and white marble. All are the 1st century pallet of marble favoured by the Roman emperors.

The Cosmati family, well known dealers in antiquities of the time, almost certainly repurposed the column itself for a creative vision. The surface of the inlay stands distinct from the rest of the column with a fissure not interfering with the inlay.