Daunian Ceramic Bell-Shaped Idol

A decorative fitting with roaring mouth and protruding fangs and tongue, the whiskers depicted in raised radiating ridges, with lidded, elongated almond-shaped eyes and small, round ears; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 1.11 kg total, 17.5 cm including stand



with Christie’s, New York, 8 June 2001, no.58. Donati collection, Lugano, prior to 1982. Collection of Banca della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, prior to 1986. Formerly in the Bourgknecht collection, Switzerland. Accompanied by Art Loss certificate no.S00123227. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.13230-249992.

This head was probably, as was the parallel head of the Barberini Tomb, originally attached to a magnificent bronze cauldron. These large cauldrons of hammered bronze were realised with the heads and necks of two lions and two gryphons attached to the rim. The cauldrons were spherical in form and rested on a stand.

D-section hoop and a lentoid bezel with an insect, likely a spider with a large abdomen. 3.73 grams, 21.04 mm overall, 18.65 mm internal diameter (approximate size British N, USA 6 1/2, Europe 13.72, Japan 13)



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.

With a flared and stepped foot, poppy-head border around the lower body and neck, strap handles with palmettes to the upper faces opening to two columnar legs; red-figure scenes to the neck and body: Side A, Europa's abduction: standing bearded figure in profile wearing a loose himation holding the lid of a krater in one hand facing a female figure in draped himation revealing one breast, turning to face the male while mounted on an advancing bull and carrying a frond; Side B, Dionysiac scene: satyr standing nude, playing a lyre beside a standing robed male wearing a laurel wreath in his hair, dancing female in active pose with musical instruments in each hand, turning to face the robed figure; some restoration. 5.85 kg, 44.5 cm high

Red-figure technique, with certain details highlighted in a wine-colored hue. The surface has taken on a light yellow hue throughout. Some cracks, and the varnish is chipped in some place.

German private collection (870632). Anonymous sale, Hampel Fine Arts auction, Munich, 21 September 2012, no.625. Private collection, acquired on the German art market. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Jacques Chamay. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13218-249222.

The two figurative scenes are of equal importance. The Dionysian one depicts the god, in the centre, between a satyr playing a lyre and a dancing maenad. The other scene depicts a well-known subject: the abduction of Europa. This is the daughter of Agenor, king of Tyre in Phoenicia. Of great beauty, she is desired by Zeus. He approaches her in the form of a white bull while she is playing on the beach. Initially frightened, the young woman begins to caress the animal, then becomes more daring and climbs onto its back. Zeus immediately abducts her and rushes out to sea, toward Crete. There, he will be united with Europa, who will bear him three children, including Minos.