Greek Bronze Ring with Goddess Nike

Featuring black-figure depictions of the Komos in a lively procession of revellers celebrating Dionysos, with the god portrayed as an ithyphallic satyr; two loop handles on the rim and a palmette beneath each handle, adorned with tendrils; professionally repaired. 219 grams, 20 cm wide



with Sotheby’s, New York, 20 June 1990, no.11. Private collection, New York, USA. Private collection, Georgia, USA. Private collection, UK. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Sotheby's catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13103-248960.

The Greek Komos, an integral part of ancient Greek culture, symbolises lively celebrations dedicated to Dionysos, the god of wine and revelry. It involved spirited processions with singing, dancing, music, and wine, fostering communal joy. This tradition was a vital aspect of Greek festivals, underscoring the Greeks’ love for communal bonding, the arts, and the pleasures of life. The Komos vividly illustrates the vibrant cultural and religious practices of ancient Greece. The artwork showcases four nude male dancers in dynamic poses, with their heads turned and arms in animated gestures. Three of them have pointed beards, while one is youthful and beardless.

Formed as a simple penannular hoop from a single piece of electrum, tapering towards the terminals. 169 grams, 16.5 cm diameter



Ex Jack Ogden, 1990s. Accompanied by an expertise from Striptwist Ltd, a London-based company run by historical precious metal specialist Dr Jack Ogden, reference number [191101]. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13106-248042.

Portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis confirms the alloy to be electrum, with an average composition of approximately 62% gold, 34% silver, and 3% copper. The purity and metal ratios are consistent with ancient manufacture. The restrained form, lacking figural ornament, is characteristic of early Scythian metalwork and suggests a date prior to the 5th century BC.

Formed with a single-piece bottom and two-piece body riveted together; the underside recessed, sidewall flared with a carination at the shoulder and rolled rim; attachment point for handles at the seams below the shoulder and to the inner face of the rim; small repair panel to the inner face. 1.56 kg, 26.2 cm



Ex Axel Guttmann Collection of Ancient Arms and Armour, Germany [1944-2001], AG 490. Private collection, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant pages where this situla is published. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13059-248969.

The situla (type A of the Giuliani-Pomes classification) comes from a funerary complex that may have also included a geometric helmet with a horse protome. A very similar example comes from the Bernardini Tomb in Palestrina, now in the Archaeological Museum of Villa Giulia, Rome.