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LOT 0059
Graeco-Parthian Marble Head of a Divinity
2ND CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
4 1/2 in. (639 grams, 11.6 cm).
An alabaster bust of a goddess with elongated face and large almond-shaped eyes; braided hair with openwork topknot and socket to accept an inset stud, gathered at the rear in a chignon.
ProvenanceAcquired early 1990s.
Ex private American collection; thence by descent.
Private Swiss collection since 1998.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11611-199026.
Cf. Legrain, L., 'Small Sculptures from Babylonian Tombs' in The Museum Journal XIX, no.2 (June, 1928), pp.195-212, fig.2.
FootnotesSeveral female figures, found in the Parthian graves of Babylonia, are represented in loose attire exhibiting strange headdresses, which give us some notion of the costume of the period. Some of them show a headgear rising into two tall conical peaks, from which a veil is suspended. Nude female figures, probably representing Assyrian Mylitta or Venus, were extremely common during the Parthian period, having been handed down from antiquity. Similar figures are universal throughout the east before the Christian era.
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:
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LOT 0059
Graeco-Parthian Marble Head of a Divinity
Estimate £2,000 - 3,000€2,320 - 3,480 (for guidance only)$2,700 - 4,050 (for guidance only)
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Opening Bid: £60
A trapezoidal bronze matrix, likely for jewellery production, bearing an acanthus leaf motif in relief to one face, with delicate detailing. 78 grams, 57 mm
German collection before 2000. Collection of Mr.D.H., formed in UK, from the EU art market. Property of a Surrey gentleman.
In antiquity, matrices for raising jewellery elements, ornaments and plaques were made of bronze, stone or reinforced terracotta. Matrices with designs in relief were used as an alternative to matrices with hollow designs or intaglio matrices. -
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