Greek Geometric Votive Gift in the Form of a Bird

With an arching strap handle and a wide spout; either side of the body painted with a crouching panther, one playing with a ball and the other depicted facing; repaired. 149 grams, 12 cm



Acquired from Gallery Gryphos, Munich, 1992. European private collection. 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.12001-211879. 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.

Painted askoi in different forms were produced and been in use in Athens since the middle and second quarter of the 5th century B.C., but they were also made in southern Italy. The askoi painted with a pair of animal figures were realised in Magna Graecia after the Attic continental production of similar models, with the representation of griffins, sphinxes and laconic hounds. The function of the askos as a vessel was clearly linked to wine, and therefore it is not anomalous to see it decorated with panther motifs, an animal connected with Dionysus, the god of wine and drinking.

Bronze figure of a youth in contrapposto stance, wrapped in a long mantle revealing his right shoulder and muscular upper body; end of the mantle, with broad hem, draped over the left shoulder, angled right arm supporting an offering or patera (absent); left hand perhaps holding a lance or staff originally; hair worn short with ears exposed but covering the temples; facing straight ahead with wide-open eyes framed by finely drawn eyelids; right hand, left lower leg and foot absent, minor retouching to tip of the nose. 125 grams total, 10.4 cm including stand



Wladimir Rosenbaum, Ascona, before 1984. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00092263. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Wladimir Rosenbaum (1894-1984) was a prominent Swiss lawyer, art dealer, and collector based in Ascona, Switzerland. Renowned for his eclectic taste and intellectual pursuits, Rosenbaum assembled a distinguished collection of antiquities and modern art during his lifetime. His circle included influential artists, intellectuals, and dealers of the 20th century, and his legacy remains significant in the art world. This piece, part of his collection prior to 1984, reflects Rosenbaum's keen eye for rare and historically important objects, embodying his deep appreciation for the cultural and artistic achievements of the past.

With pedestal base, piriform body, tapering neck with beak-like spout and tall strap handle to the rear; the body painted in a series of bands of strokes, ovolo motifs, waves, pellets and pendant vineleaves in white, cream and ochre; label to underside 'Apulian Gnathian Prochous CA. 320 B.C.'. 176 grams, 18.3 cm



Ex Fred Bentley Sr. GA (1926-2019). with Ahlers & Ogletree Inc., USA, 10 November 2023, no.343. Private collection, UK. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.