Greek Gold Floral Diadem

Group of sheet-gold appliqué mounts with repoussé detailing comprising a pair of advancing lions with coiled tail and open mouth; a pair of elk heads with curved antlers; supplied with a custom-made presentation mount. 5.28 grams total, 19-47 mm (124 grams total, mount: 11.5 cm high)



German art market. European private collection, 1970s-early 2000s. Acquired from the above; thence by descent. Private collection, London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12670-234552. 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.

Hollow-form and standing on a pedestal with her right knee slightly bent, both hands holding the edges of her flowing peplos, wearing a polos crown, naturalistic detailing to face; traces of pigment remaining, a rectangular cut-out on her back. 604 grams, 31.5 cm



From the collection of Pierre and Claude Vérité, Paris, France, acquired between 1930 and 1960. with Christie's, Paris, Collection Pierre et Claude Vérité, 20 December 2011, no.121 (part). Ex Galerie Günter Puhze GmbH, Germany, 2012. Private collection, Bern, Switzerland. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12664-236370. 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.

With large eyes and applied pupils, accentuated nose and open mouth with protruding tongue, hair indicated with regularly disposed lines; repaired, western Greek workmanship; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 142 grams total, 15.5 cm including stand



Ex Mr M.Q.F, Horgen, Switzerland, 1971. with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

A Gorgoneion was a protective symbol in ancient Greek art that depicts the head of the Gorgon, a mythical creature with snakes for hair and a terrifying gaze that could turn people to stone. The Gorgoneion was believed to have the power to ward off evil and protect the person who wore it or displayed it. The image of the Gorgoneion was often used as an apotropaic symbol to ward off evil or bad luck. It was often depicted on shields, armour, or even as an architectural feature on buildings. The symbol was also sometimes used in jewellery, such as amulets or pendants, and was believed to bring good luck and protection to the wearer. The most famous depiction of the Gorgoneion is probably the one on the aegis of the goddess Athena.