Loading, please wait...
LOT 0609
Etruscan Bronze Ceres Statuette
3RD-2ND CENTURY B.C.
2 3/4 in. (86 grams, 71 mm).
Female with hair drawn up in a chignon, palla wrapped tightly around the upper body hiding the right arm bent with the hand at the shoulder, lower hem of robe flared; fixing lug to underside.
ProvenanceAcquired in the mid 1980s-1990s.
Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent.
Private collection, since the late 1990s.
Cf. Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques de Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 143 (Fortuna) in similar robe; 203, Ceres or Pomona.
FootnotesThis is a figurine of a deity of difficult interpretation representing an ex-voto. This typology is widespread in the votive offerings of Etrusco-Roman sanctuaries, and by analogy with various statuettes could represent Ceres.
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.
-
Greek Fragmentary Terracotta Red-Figure Hydria
Paestan or Apulian, 4th century B.C.Estimate: £4,500 - 6,500 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,500
Comprising the upper two thirds of the vessel; on the shoulder a facing woman's head with diadem and half-veiled face; rosettes to left and right, with suspended ribbons and dots; vine motif around the body with floral ornaments; to the reverse, palmettes and vines; band of laurel with rosettes around the neck and wavy band at the mouth; reassembled from various fragments with three large areas of restoration, only the beginnings of the handles preserved; mounted on a custom-made stand. 1.95 kg, 31 cm (2.6 kg total, 47.5 cm high including stand)
Ex Herbert A. Cahn, Basel, 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12475-228738.
The face-veiling gesture is a known marriage rite; the diadem may suggest that she is intended to represent Persephone. Alternatively, the veiled woman might be a dancer as many terracotta figurines of dancing women are shown with face-coverings. However, the floral ornaments could indicate a funeral or sepulchral context. -
Greek Lead Slingshot
Macedonian, 4th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Lentoid type with reserved legend 'APOPOU' (of Aphoros). 37.3 grams, 33 mm
Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman. -
Graeco-Parthian Bronze Ring with Courtesan Holding a Flower
2nd-1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Comprising a slender hoop and an oval bezel with a standing female figure holding a flower. 4.91 grams, 24.51 mm overall, 19.94 mm internal diameter (approximate size British T 1/2, USA 9 3/4, Europe 21.89, Japan 21)
London, UK, art market, 1980s. Private collection, London, UK.