Ca. 100-300 AD. A marble relief fragment adorned with a mesmerizing ovolo decoration register, it exudes an air of opulence and refinement that is sure to captivate the senses. The ovolo, or echinus, is a prominent design element in classical architecture and decoration, characterized by a convex profile that resembles the shape of an egg. In this fragment, it is rendered with remarkable skill and precision, forming a continuous band that frames the relief and adds a sense of depth and dimensionality to the composition. The interplay of light and shadow on the ovolo's undulating surface creates a mesmerizing visual effect that draws the eye in and invites closer inspection. In the Roman world, marble reliefs were widely used in public and private settings, adorning everything from public buildings and monuments to private villas and tombs. They were often commissioned as expressions of power, wealth, and cultural sophistication, showcasing the patron's artistic and aesthetic sensibilities. Many surviving examples, like this ovolo-adorned fragment, offer tantalizing glimpses into the rich artistic traditions of the ancient world, and continue to inspire and captivate modern audiences with their timeless beauty and elegance.Size: L:130mm / W:170mm ; 1.42kgProvenance: Private London collection, B.A.; formerly in pre-2000 European collection.