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LOT 0624
Greek Silver Ring with Hydra Heads
4TH-3RD CENTURY B.C.
3/4 in. (1.35 grams, 19.95 mm overall, 14.77 mm internal diameter (approximate size British H, USA 3 3/4, Europe 6.18, Japan 6)).
With a flat-section hoop, each finial formed as an offset serpentine head; hollow to the underside.
ProvenanceEx German art market, 2000s.
Acquired from an EU collector living in London.
From the collection of a Surrey, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Etruscan Bronze Ceres Statuette
3rd-2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Female with hair drawn up in a chignon, palla wrapped tightly around the upper body hiding the right arm bent with the hand at the shoulder, lower hem of robe flared; fixing lug to underside. 86 grams, 71 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s.
This is a figurine of a deity of difficult interpretation representing an ex-voto. This typology is widespread in the votive offerings of Etrusco-Roman sanctuaries, and by analogy with various statuettes could represent Ceres. -
Greek 'Plastic' Oinochoe with a Bust of a Bearded Man
5th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,380
The body formed as a male head with his elongated neck forming the foot of the vessel; wearing an ivy-leaf crown, stylised, painted facial features and a full beard, two rows of stylised curls above the forehead; the neck of the vessel emerging from the top of his head, trefoil mouth and a handle to the rear; some repainting. 77 grams, 11.8 cm
Swiss private collection formed in 1960s-1970s. 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 number no.13016-246780.
Head vases first appeared in the late 7th century B.C. in eastern Greece. The potters of Attica adopted this shape in the late 6th century, with a clear preference towards female heads, but not excluding male heads, especially when referring to mythological heroes or characters. The work, with its finely modelled features, is the product of an Attic workshop. According to the Beazley classification, the oinochoe should belong to the group N (Cook Class), generally dated to the 480-460 B.C. and widespread around the Mediterranean and Black Sea (a similar female example was found in Aphytis – Chalcidika). -
Etruscan Carnelian Scarab with Hercules at a Fountain in Gold Ring
3rd century B.C.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £750
Hoop made from D-section wire with coils to the shoulders, scarab bezel with carapace detailing and intaglio of a standing nude figure of Hercules holding a club and amphora at a stream, enclosed by a roped border. 5.73 grams, 22.52 mm overall, 18.68 x 16.58 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)
Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, England.