Cypriot Bichrome Ware Terracotta Horse Model

Tousled curly hair, strong aquiline nose and full mouth; the deep eyes marked by raised eyelids and prominent semi-circular eyebrows; the hair arranged in overlapping rows of locks; repaired; mounted on a later porphyry plinth. 1.40 kg total, 23.5 cm high including stand



From the estates of the late Adrian Stanford and Norman St John-Stevas, Baron St John of Fawsley. with the previous owner since 1982. with Christie's, London, South Kensington, 22 February 2017, lot 10. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11774-204595.

The head represents a Hellenistic portrait of a young man, whose characteristics seem to suggest a reference to a youthful portrait of Alexander the Great. Another possibility is that it represents the portrait of Alexander’s companion, Hephaestion.

Central bulb to the keeled bow, integral pin and large catch-plate. 42 grams, 95 mm



From the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.

The function of the catch-plate fibulae was utilitarian and decorative, they were used for woollen clothing (Herodotus V, 87) and they have been found in houses, tombs and as votive offerings in sanctuaries. This typology was introduced in South Italy by the Greeks, and was widespread in the Magna Graecia. Like all female fibulae, it functioned as a clothing fastener, usually worn as a pair on each shoulder.

Comprising over 20 hollow-formed bicones. 790 grams total, 21-96 mm



Acquired 1960s-1990s. Late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.