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LOT 0073
Greek Gold 'Golden Fleece' Ram-Horn Pair
5TH-3RD CENTURY B.C.
4 in. (60.61 grams total, 10.5 cm each).
A matched pair of sheet-gold model ram's horns, each curved with a narrow end flattened, ribbed body, flared rim to the mouth with applied granule detailing; probably from a representation of the χρυσόμαλλον δέρας or 'golden fleece' from the legend of Jason and his adventures with the crew of the ship Argo.
ProvenanceFrom a private collection of seals and amulets, the property of a Canadian gentleman living in London; from his father's collection formed in the late 1960s to 1980s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13105-249639.
The legend of the Golden Fleece is referenced by several ancient writers, including Pindar, whose reformulation forms the basis of most modern retellings, but an earlier version was evidently familiar to Homer in the 8th century B.C. It appears as a pictorial theme on early Greek vases. The story refers to a celestial winged ram with golden wool, which was believed to live and be worshipped by the inhabitants of lands north of the Black Sea; this ram, in some versions of the tale, is transformed into the constellation Aries.
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:
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Italic Carnelian Scarab with Satyr Mounted in a Gold Swivel Ring
4th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,404
Carved scarab with detailed carapace, legs and mouth; underside with intaglio standing figure holding an amphora; set into a later gold swivel ring. 5.30 grams, 23.85 mm overall, 14.56 x 17.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)
Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market.
It is clear that the sculptor devoted more care and attention to carving the scarab itself rather than its intaglio. -
Large Greek Red-Figure Skyphos with Lady of Fashion
Campanian, 3rd-2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,235
With mammiform body, pedestal base and two loop handles; ovolo patterns in ochre beneath the rim and palmette beneath each handle; Side A: lady of fashion in advancing pose holding up a dish and a mirror, white detailing to the stephane and necklace; Side B: standing figure in a himation with a stephane. 640 grams, 23 cm wide
Acquired on the art market between the late 1990s and mid-2000s. Estate of the late Barry Paul Buxton (1944-2024), Oakham, Rutland. Acquired on the UK art market, 2025. -
Two-handled Villanova Bowl
8th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
A squat vessel with a small base, raised neck and slightly projecting rim, carinated shoulder with two projecting bosses and a pair of high strap handles. 221 grams, 13.4 cm wide
Old Basel private collection. Elsa Bloch-Diener, Antike Kunst, Bern, 27 July 1990. Private collection, Bern, Switzerland. Private collection, UK.
