Greek Gold Eros Earrings

Deeply arched bow with a central barrel-shaped extension, integral pin and rectangular footplate. 46.8 grams, 60 mm



From the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.

The distinctive form of this fibula seems to be an Italic variant of characteristic Geometric period examples from Thessaly that have been discovered in large numbers, for example in the sanctuary of Zeus Thaulios near Pharos. It belongs to the category of Greek catch plate brooches, although the rectangular footplate is substantially reduced than the Greek prototypes, and the two grooves on the bow are narrower than the continental Greek ones.

With domed foot and short stem supporting a broad bowl with carination below the rim and two lateral ledge handles; bands of painted concentric rings to the inner face in black and red, similar to the shoulder above panels of vertical stripes, arrows and other motifs; median Maltese cross to one face and bull's eye motif to the other. 685 grams, 21 cm wide



With Sotheby's London, antiquities sale, 17 May 1983, lot 132. Acquired from the above by Mr Leinonen, by descent to his son, Stan Leinonen. On loan to the Detroit Institute of Arts 6 December 1983-24 April, 2019. On view in Hallway East of Rivera Court circa 1989 and again in European Medieval and Renaissance in the 2000s.

With columnar body and flared base, arms raised, applied domed breasts, pinched facial features with applied mouth and ears; applied band to the brow for the hair or headdress; remains of coral-pink painted detailing. 299 grams, 20.2 cm



From the collection of French scholar and diplomat Auguste Dozon (1822-1890). Subsequently Hotel Des Ventes Monte Carlo, 6th May 2018, lot 7. With French cultural property passport.