To the Egyptians the heart was the most essential of organs
The translucent orange stones display fine polish and internal striations that catch and refract the light
He is dressed in a short wig
Condition: Scattered mineral deposits on the surface
and a wide broad collar around his neck
A Roman Fresco Wall Painting Fragment, Early Roman Imperial Period, ca. 15 BCE - 50 CE Architectural To the Egyptians the heartThis fine, realistic fragment shows a white Nile crane with its large wings spread above its body, long delicate legs extended, its neck outstretched, and a small tuft on top of its head. It is typical of work done in the Third Style (around 120 CE), which coincided with the reign of Augustus, where surface ornamentation was favored over illusion. During the Early Roman Imperial Period, wall paintings such as this example often featured a