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LOT 0062
Etruscan Bronze Statuette of Hercle
CIRCA 4TH-3RD CENTURY B.C.
3 in. (4 in.) (87 grams total, 77 mm (10.2 cm high including stand)).
Modelled in the round figure of Hercle (Roman Hercules, Greek Herakles) standing nude with the lionskin mantle draped over his extended left forearm, the right arm bent and fist raised (originally holding a club); the hair cut short and radiating from the crown of the head, lentoid eyes flanking a snub nose; mounted on a custom-made stand.
ProvenanceFrom the estate of Eldert Bontekoe (1954-2020).
Ex Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, acquired before 2000.
with Artemis Gallery, Colorado, USA, 26 December 2020, no.8.
Property of a South Australian private collector, with collection reference 20.38.
Accompanied by an original Artemis Gallery certificate of authenticity dated 27 January 2021.
Accompanied by detailed collector's catalogue pages including description and photograph.
Cf. Adam, A.M., Bronzes étrusques et italiques, Paris, 1984, p.190, nos.291-292; cf. also The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 96.9.297.
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AUCTIONS:
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Greek and Other Pottery Sherd Group
Circa 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Including chalice, amphora and other fragments. 1.5 kg total, 4-20.5 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. -
Greek and Other Pottery Sherd Group
Circa 1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Mixed group including fragments of carinated cups, a painted bowl, and other types. 1.06 kg total, 5.8-15 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. -
Greek Bronze Mirror with Eros and Aphrodite
Late Classic-early Hellenistic Period, mid-late 4th century B.C.Estimate: £12,000 - 17,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £6,000
A circular box mirror comprising: a lid featuring a hammered sheet repoussé appliqué of Eros and Aphrodite, god and goddess of love, standing on either side of a thymiaterion, or censer associated with religious worship and ritual; Eros with wings outstretched, left hand supporting the top tier of the censer, right hand lowered to his side holding a wreath(?); much delicate incised detailing to his wings indicating a feathered texture; Aphrodite standing to the right, wearing a floor-length woollen tunic or chiton, a pleated himation around her waist and draped over her left arm; right hand held above the top tier of the censer; the scene is framed within an incised circular roundel; the interior of the lid, and the base including its flange, featuring a series of lathe-turned concentric circular mouldings; both halves mounted on a cleverly designed custom-made stand, which reproduces the human act of lifting the lid off the mirror base; museum-quality. 1.17 kg total, 15 cm
Private collection, London, 1975. with Christie's, Rockefeller Plaza, New York, 9 June 2011, no.109. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Kallos Gallery catalogue pages where the mirror is published. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12054-213612.
Handleless mirrors were luxury items that began to be produced in the second half of the 5th century B.C. Themes surrounding Aphrodite were very popular at this time. During the 4th century B.C. Eros was commonly depicted as a slim youth approaching manhood rather than as a child, as he is shown here on our example. Eros and Aphrodite are the two Greek deities most famously believed to induce desire.
