Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 0521

Etruscan Relief Fragment with Papposilenus

CIRCA 5TH CENTURY B.C.

7 1/8 in. (1.53 kg, 18 cm).

Roughly bell-shaped in profile with scooped rear face and socket to base; rim to upper edge above facing image of a grotesque bearded male with arms angled and hands on his wrinkled abdomen. legs bent to each side, genitals resting on a stele; old collector's label 'L-16434' to top; Etruscan or Italic.

Provenance

The Erotica Collection Christian von Faber-Castell, Küsnacht ZH, Switzerland, since the late 1970s.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Published

'Kunst und Handwerk der Antike', Auction 15, Basel, 2 December 1983, no.197.

Footnotes

Christian von Faber-Castell (born 1950) is a renowned German entrepreneur and art collector, best known as a member of the prominent Faber-Castell family, famed for their iconic writing instruments. A passionate advocate for art and culture, Christian von Faber-Castell curated an extensive and diverse private collection of erotica, spanning centuries and cultures. His collection reflects a deep appreciation for the interplay of beauty, sensuality, and artistic expression, bringing together rare and unique works that explore themes of intimacy and human connection. Pieces from this collection have been featured in notable exhibitions and are celebrated for their artistic and historical significance. This offering represents a rare opportunity to acquire works from one of the most fascinating and eclectic private collections of its kind.

CONDITION

VETTING:

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 0521

Etruscan Relief Fragment with Papposilenus

Sold for (Inc. bp): £624

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Graeco-Persian Agate Scaraboid with Recumbent Zebu
    Graeco-Persian Agate Scaraboid with Recumbent Zebu
    Late 4th-3rd century B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £260

    Engraved to the underside with a reclining zebu facing right with short protruding horns and a pointed ear; smooth, curved top and a narrow longitudinal perforation. 1.83 grams, 15 mm



    with Herbert A. Cahn, Basel, 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00075367. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

    The body, head and joints are rendered in the “globolo” drilling technique, in which circular recesses of different sizes are carved into the stone, whilst fine cuts are used to depict the horns, ear and tail. In the Achaemenid period, ‘globolo’ style visible on some gemstones, mainly with animal motifs, developed in Syria-Phoenicia, but the gems did not carry specific Persian motifs, except perhaps this series with a zebu bull.

    Lot Details

  • Parthian Silver Horse Harness Pendant Hanger with Face
    Parthian Silver Horse Harness Pendant Hanger with Face
    3rd century B.C.-2nd century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £156

    Domed stud with facial detailing, radiating ribbed hair, pellet eyes, transverse ribbed moustache, rivet to reverse; loop below with attached pendant disc. 14.57 grams, 61 mm



    Acquired before the early 1970s. Ex London, UK, gallery. Property of a London gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

    Lot Details

  • Hellenistic Garnet Gemstone with Hercules Club and Lionskin
    Hellenistic Garnet Gemstone with Hercules Club and Lionskin
    2nd century B.C.

    Estimate: £1,800 - 2,400 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £1,000

    Plano-convex with incuse image of spiked club and lionskin mantle, repaired. 1.8 grams, 17 mm



    Acquired in the 1970s. Ex London, UK, collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12386-226380. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list