Sculpture and Figurines

Physical identification

Stone, bronze and terracotta figures, heads, reliefs and fragments. Record dimensions, weight, manufacture, surfaces, repairs, labels, mounts and inscriptions before cleaning or treatment.

Key cautions

• A fragment may have been removed from a monument or site.
• Restored noses, limbs, bases and surfaces should be disclosed.
• Small sculpture is a forgery target.

Provenance and lawful movement

Ask when the object first appeared outside the ground, who owned it, where it was located, how it left its likely source country and whether the seller warrants good title in writing.

Authenticity and conservation

Condition and authenticity can be intertwined. Artificial deposits, modern joins and restored surfaces may disguise manufacture. No single photograph, certificate or test proves the complete history of an object.