Greek and Other Artefact Group

A black-glazed terracotta kantharos with two integral ear-shaped handles with internal bridges and ledges to the exterior, collar to stem and discoid foot; possibly Boeotian. 565 grams, 23 cm wide



Acquired 1980s-1990s. H.N. collection, Milton Keynes, UK.

A kantharos is a drinking cup with two handles.

A carved marble head of Hermes with densely curled hair, stern facial expression beneath a broad brow, luxuriant curled beard falling in waves and cut square at the lower edge; mounted on a custom-made display stand; a Roman copy after a 5th century B.C. Greek original. 32.2 kg total, 52 cm high including stand

Slot to top of head.

with Chaucer Fine Arts Ltd, 1980s. English private collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Marina Mattei and Dr Laura Maria Vigna. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11615-199747.

This type of this archaic sculpture can be traced back to the original of which many copies and variants have been preserved: the Hermes Propylaios by the Attic sculptor Alkamenes, a pupil of Phidias, active in the second half of the 5th century B.C. According to some theories, the herma was created for the Propylaea of the acropolis of Athens, as patron deity of doors and entrances; according to others, this type of bearded Hermes is not to be located at the Propylaea, but in various possible places inside the Acropolis.

A hollow-formed gold amulet of a crab with socketted claws above, pierced for attachment. 0.85 grams, 11.5 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired 1970s-1980s. Ex UK collection. Property of a Portsmouth, UK gentleman.