Etruscan Bronze Ladle with Duck's Head Handle

Modelled in the half-round as a mask of a youthful female with large ovoid eyes and small mouth; mounted on a custom-made stand. 1.44 kg total, 20.5 cm high (27 cm high including stand)



Ex PA collection of Greek art, Hertfordshire, UK, 1990s.

Comprising six fragments from a bowl once decorated with concentric circles around a central disc with expanding black rays, remains of palmette to the sides of the handle; the internal base with two facing warriors holding spears and a wreath, the older one depicted with a beard. 67 grams total, 34-89 mm



Acquired in Europe before 1990. Private collection, Europe. 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.11820-206481.

The Rider Painter was a Laconian vase painter active between 560 and 530 B.C. and is considered to be one of the five great vase painters of Sparta. He painted various forms predominantly kylikes but also lebetes, a form rare in this area. He mainly painted scenes from mythology, such as figures like Cadmos or Heracles, and tales such as the blinding of Polyphemus. In addition, he realised pictures from everyday life. The attribution of these fragments to his workmanship can be supported by the motifs painted on the exterior decoration of the vessel, and by the shape of the birds and figures. The illustrated scene fits within the warrior society of Spartan Laconia.

Modelled wearing a floor-length garment and conival helmet; right arm supporting a large lenticular shield. 166 grams, 14 cm



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.