Loading, please wait...
LOT 0055
Cypriot Limestone Head of a Deer
IRON AGE, CIRCA LATE 6TH-EARLY 5TH CENTURY B.C.
7 3/4 in. (982 grams total, 19.7 cm including stand).
Carved in the round with stub antlers to the brow; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
ProvenanceAcquired before 1947.
Ex Wood family collection, UK; thence by descent 1970.
Cf. Karageorghis, V., Cipro, Crocevia del Mondo Mediterraneo orientale 1600-500 a.C., Milano, 2002, fig.405, for a bull in similar style; cf. nearly identical head of a deer of the same period in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession no.74.57.25.
FootnotesThe deer head probably came from a larger votive terracotta sculpture, which depicted a standing doe, perhaps being led to be sacrificed. The presence of the deer could connect the original terracotta to a sanctuary of Diana, whose sacred animal was the deer.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
.jpg)
Phoenician Limestone Herakles Melqart Wearing Lionskin
Circa 6th-5th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £845
Modelled in the round, standing with lionskin mantle tied around the shoulders at the chest, with girdle to the waist and knee-length tunic; left hand resting on the handle of a club; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 1.85 kg total, 36.5 cm including stand
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
Melqart was the Phoenician tutelary deity whose name means 'king of the city'; in the Roman interpretation, he was identified with Hercules. -
Hellenistic Gold and Coral Pendant with Dolphins
2nd-1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £468
Formed as a coral pillar with gold rosette finial, collar supporting two rearing dolphins flanking a blue glass bead; loop and suspension ring above. 2.98 grams, 33 mm
From a late Japanese specialist collector, 1970-2000s. -
.jpg)
Cypriot Limestone Head of a Goddess
Circa 2nd-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,120
Carved in the round, head of a female wearing her gown over the top of her head; sombre facial features and elongated neck, the hair dressed in radiating segments; mounted on a custom-made stand. 1.11 kg total, 21 cm high including stand
with Bonham's, 22 April 1999, no.97. From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonham's catalogue pages.
