Fragment of a right hand, carved porphyry, probably Egypt, 4th century

This is the fragment of a right hand grasping the hilt of a sword.

Given by Dr. W.L. Hildburgh, F.S.A.

Bought with A.2-1925 by Dr W.L. Hildburgh from a dealer near the Forum in Rome. Given to the V&A by Dr W.L. Hildburgh in 1925.
This hand is almost identical to the right hand of a standing figure of a man in the Museo Arcivescovile in Ravenna, also carved in porphyry and clasping the hilt of a sheathed sword. Other carvings in porphyry considered similar in style are a bust from Athribis, Egypt and a seated figure found at Alexandria, both now at Cairo Museum, and a crowned head on the exterior of St Mark's Venice. These figures all date from about the 4th and were probably carved in Egypt where the stone was obtained.

Porphyry is a rare material, difficult to quarry and extremely difficult to carve. A luxury material, the colour of porphyry carried imperial associations which helped perpetuate the prestige of the stone from antiquity through to the Renaissance.

Probably carved in Egypt where the stone was obtained

This right hand was carved in porphyry, probablyin 4th-century Egypt, and is shown grasping the hilt of a sword.

A.1-1925