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LOT 0510
Greek Tanagra Terracotta Head of Aphrodite
CIRCA 4TH-2ND CENTURY B.C.
2 1/2 in. (38 grams total, 64 mm including stand).
With hair divided in vertical arrangements, bound on the back by a fillet, delicate rendering of mouth, nose and eyes; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
ProvenanceEx P. A., Hertfordshire, UK, specialist collection of Greek art, 1980-1990s.
LiteratureCf. Mavrogonatou, A., Terracotta figurines as grave offerings in Veoria: the funerary dimension of Aphrodite and Eros in female and child burials of the Hellenic rock-cut chamber tombs, Thessaloniki, 2018, fig.47, for a similar head on a statuette in terracotta of Aphrodite.
FootnotesIt seems that half-draped women in sculpture, whatever the pose, are quite rare before the late Hellenistic period; however, they appear as early as the 4th century B.C., on a small scale and in terracotta. North Macedonian terracotta figurines of Aphrodite or mortal girls replicate sculptural trends of the 2nd century B.C. In particular, the the classical sculptural tradition was revived during the latter half of the second century B.C., as evidenced by the figurines.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 0510
Greek Tanagra Terracotta Head of Aphrodite
Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
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Hellenistic Gold Earrings with Gemstones
Circa 2nd-1st century B.C.Estimate: £1,200 - 1,700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £625
Matched pair of gold earrings, each wire hoop with hook-and-eye closure, ellipsoid shield with beaded rim and cell with carnelian cabochon, free-running dangle with filigree crocketting and granule cluster. 3.85 grams total, 40 mm each
From a collection of a London lady, acquired annually during 1990s-2000s. -
Greek Apulian Black-Glazed Mug
Circa 4th-3rd century B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £100
With a high-gloss black slip, ovoid body and a short wide neck with a flaring rim, a wide strap handle and a flat base. 144 grams, 95 mm wide
Ex P. A., Hertfordshire, UK, specialist collection of Greek art, 1980-1990s.
The black glaze technique uses the same glaze used by the Greeks on the red-figure and black-figure ceramics, but covering the entire piece, without figurative decoration. It was a transparent raw glaze, which took on its characteristic intense, glossy black tone after firing. -
Hellenistic Terracotta Figure of a Veiled Woman
3rd-2nd century B.C.Estimate: £1,000 - 1,400 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £500
Hollow-formed Tanagra type depicting a standing female wearing a floor-length robe, veil and mantle; the right arm holding the mantle, one foot protruding; a circular opening to the reverse. 384 grams, 22 cm high
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private Swiss collection since 1998.
