Loading, please wait...
LOT 0113
Greek Bronze Duck's Head
3RD-2ND CENTURY B.C.
4 in. (236 grams, 10.1 cm).
Modelled in the round with realistic features, textured plumage, rounded beak.
ProvenanceAcquired in the mid 1980s-1990s.
Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent.
Private collection, since the late 1990s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12378-226677.
Cf. Richter, G.M.A., The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Greek, Etruscan and Roman Bronzes, New York, 1915, no.652, for similar head forming a finial.
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:
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.
-
Parthian Bronze Bowl
2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Broad and squat with flared sidewall and lip to the inner edge of the mouth. 250 grams, 16.1 cm
Ex 1990s collection and with a central London gallery. -
Greek Black-Figure Alabastron with Fighting Warriors
Attic, 500-480 B.C.Estimate: £30,000 - 40,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £15,000
Of ovoid shape, short neck and expanded flat rim; painted in horizontal bands with black vertical strokes the shoulder, ovules in the upper part, the central scene representing a Greek Ekdromos fighting a Scythian archer; the Greek warrior, wearing a light sleeveless chiton, and a crested Corinthian helmet, carrying a wide hoplon shield, and a long spear with which he is slashing his opponent; the Scythian archer is wearing a typical tall cap flowing backwards and his long coat-suit, carrying a gorytos, (quiver) and composite bow with arrow; horizontal black stripes below; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 262 grams total, 16 cm high including stand
Louis-Gabriel Bellon (1819-1899) collection, France. European private collection, 2009. 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 a search certificate number no.13019-246753.
The importance of this alabastron is linked to its iconography, which represents episodes of the Persian Wars, fought 490-480 B.C. Such alabastra are part of a series realised during the period of the conflict and after, and they are an important source of information on the Persian and Greek armies. Here, the two opponents evoke the Greek victories, with a light-armed Greek ekdromos (hoplite fighting in light equipment) killing a Scythian archer, who formed part of the Persian army. The representation of Scythian costume in vase-painting reached its height of popularity between c. 530 and 490 B.C., and went out of fashion after the Graeco-Persian wars, when these clothes began to be associated with the Persian ethnic identity rather than the original Scythian. -
.jpg)
Greek Gold Ring Engraved with Goddess Nike
5th-4th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £9,360
Comprising a round-section U-shaped hoop and a lentoid-shaped bezel bearing the image of flying Nike with her wings spread and wearing a long dress, leaving her feet exposed. 9.61 grams, 23.23 mm overall, 18.22 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L 1/2, USA 6, Europe 11.87, Japan 11)
Focquaert collection, Belgium, 1980s. European private collection, 2012. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13020-246779.
The ring belongs to the typology I of Boardman’s classification (Boardman, 2001, p.213). One of the subjects usually represented on this ring type is the flying Nike. A similar flying Nike is visible on a gold ring found in grave 17 of the Nymphaeum, and it is today preserved at the Hermitage.
