Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0077
Etruscan Bronze Handle Pair with Heads of Medusa
6TH-5TH CENTURY B.C.
4 3/8 in. (695 grams total, 11 cm wide each).
Each formed as a D-shaped fluted bar with the finials formed as grotesque Medusa heads in Archaic Greek style with protruding tongue and a pair of bearded snakes framing her forehead; mounted on custom-made display stands. [2]
Provenance
Ex private collection of Athos Moretti, Bellinzona, Switzerland, in the 1960s.
with Christies, London, 14 June 1978, lot 344.
with Sotheby's, New York, 29 May 1987, lot 154.
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.11773-204596.
Literature
Cf. Torelli, M., Gli Etruschi, Monza, 2000; Cristofani, M., I bronzi degli Etruschi (Etruscan bronzes, in Italian), Novara, 1985; Cateni, G. (ed.), Etruschi di Volterra, capolavori dei grandi musei Europei, Milano, 2007, fig.9, pp.154-155.
Footnotes
The handles were possibly once part of a hydria or a stamnos. The workmanship of the nose and eyes of the Medusa recall the head of a gorgoneion from a chariot or cart fragment, today at the Metropolitan Museum (inventory no.29.131.3d1–d3).
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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.
LOT 0077
Etruscan Bronze Handle Pair with Heads of Medusa
Estimate £8,000 - 10,000€9,280 - 11,600 (for guidance only)$10,800 - 13,500 (for guidance only)
RELATED LOTS
-
Greek Gold Insect-Shaped Pendant
Circa 4th-3rd century B.C.Estimate: £150 - 200 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £75
Possibly in the form of a fly; composed of a heart-shaped body with filigree and granules defining the body and two wings, a collared suspension loop representing the head and eyes. 0.55 grams, 13 mm
Collected from 1970-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK. -
Greek Terracotta Protome Mask Collection
Circa 4th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £338
Three ceramic masks each moulded with a female face, pierced at the brow. 290 grams total, 10.3-11.9 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016. -
Hellenistic Bronze Statuette of an Alexandrian Dancing Dwarf
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
In an active pose with both legs bent and left arm raised dramatically, head tilted to the left; exaggerated facial features, short trimmed hair, slim body with developed pectoral muscles and pronounced kyphosis; mounted on a columnar stand. 299 grams,14.5 cm including stand
Belgian private art collection of M.A., Brussels, Belgium, 1995. with Gorny and Mosch, 14 December 2011, lot 82. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11886-206399.
