Loading, please wait...
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.
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:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Cypriot Redware Cup with Wishbone Handle
1450-1200 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Cup or bowl of spherical shape, unpainted, fitted with a wishbone handle. 96 grams, 14 cm
Ex P.A., Hertfordshire, UK, specialist collection of Greek art, 1980-1990s.
The presence of Achaeans in Cyprus, in late Cypriot II, also significantly influenced the life of the island from a ceramic production point of view. The social changes and new habits that developed among the elites of the main urban centres of the island included elaborate funerary displays, a means through which the emerging elite could express its identity and differentiate itself from other social groups. The ceramic forms were often cups intended for elaborate libation rituals, symposia, or ceremonies equivalent to Near Eastern marzeah, during which drinking services including kraters for mixing wine, cups and jugs were used. Alongside the more elaborate Achaean pottery, local Cypriot pottery (white-slip and base-ring) was still in use. -
Phoenician Silver Votive Warrior Figure
6th-4th century B.C.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Sheet-silver figure with horizontal banding to the cloak and tunic, quiver to the left shoulder; old collector's label '8' to the reverse. 5.56 grams, 57 mm
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection. -
Greek and Roman Bronze Ring Group
Circa 2nd century B.C.-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Including one with rectangular bezel and incuse hare motif. 15.7 grams total, 23-27 mm
Ex old English collection. London art market, pre 2000. Property of a London, UK, gentleman.
