Greek Miniature Bronze Hydria

The handle formed as a nude youth supporting a panel of double volutes and half-palmettes, long braided hair falling at the back of the neck and on his forehead; the legs joined and ankles extended, the feet enclosed in pointed shoes, palmette below; accompanied by the bowl with inverted rim, a pair of parallel lines to the outer rim; the handle and part of the rim detached and mounted separately on the custom-made display stand. 1.35 kg total, 45.5 cm high including stand



with Herbert A. Cahn, Basel, 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00075168. 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 search certificate no.12462-228709.

Anthropomorphic handles with images of young naked boys connected with animals were widespread and used for mirrors. The object, in particular, is part of the group of mirrors and paterae with standing youths (male and female, probably symbolising athletes) and nude female mirror caryatids (Mitten-Doeringer, 1968, figs.87-88) serving as vertical handles.

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.

Comprising a bulbous body with a basal ring, a narrow neck and a loop handle to the rear; vertical ribbing to the body. 74 grams, 81 mm



Acquired on the French art market. Swiss private collection. Private collection, UK.