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LOT 0107
Greek Terracotta Face of a Gorgoneion
6TH-5TH CENTURY B.C.
6 1/8 in. (142 grams total, 15.5 cm including stand).
With large eyes and applied pupils, accentuated nose and open mouth with protruding tongue, hair indicated with regularly disposed lines; repaired, western Greek workmanship; mounted on a custom-made display stand.
ProvenanceEx Mr M.Q.F, Horgen, Switzerland, 1971.
with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland.
This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
A Gorgoneion was a protective symbol in ancient Greek art that depicts the head of the Gorgon, a mythical creature with snakes for hair and a terrifying gaze that could turn people to stone. The Gorgoneion was believed to have the power to ward off evil and protect the person who wore it or displayed it. The image of the Gorgoneion was often used as an apotropaic symbol to ward off evil or bad luck. It was often depicted on shields, armour, or even as an architectural feature on buildings. The symbol was also sometimes used in jewellery, such as amulets or pendants, and was believed to bring good luck and protection to the wearer. The most famous depiction of the Gorgoneion is probably the one on the aegis of the goddess Athena.
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LOT 0107
Greek Terracotta Face of a Gorgoneion
Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)
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Greek Gold Applique Group
7th-5th century B.C.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £750
Comprising eighteen repoussé plaques, each with a central boss and a flower bud to each side, the corners with alternating pinecones and acorns, pierced through the corners; mounted on a perspex backing. 91 grams total, 22 mm each
From the estate of Dr Jacob Hirsch. Acquired by Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, from the above in 1999. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
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Greek Terracotta Head Collection
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Comprising: a head of a kore wearing a tall polos crown; head of Eros; a head of a lady with almond-shaped eyes and Archaic smile; a rectangular plaque with low-relief nude figure; all mounted on custom-made display stands. 118 grams total, 4-10.5 cm including stand
Private collection, before 1970. with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato. -
Cypriot Alabaster Alabastron
6th-4th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
With a slender piriform body and two lug handles, conical neck with everted rim. 72 grams, 11 cm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
An example of the greater variability in form is the stone type with alabastron body and anthropomorphic top, sculpted with the upper body of a female. These types have been found in the eastern Mediterranean and Italy dating from the 7th century to the mid to late 6th century and can be divided into two groups: an eastern group beginning in the seventh century, based on Mesopotamian prototypes, and probably produced on Cyprus, as evidenced by its close relation to contemporary Cypriot sculpture; and a western group dating to the first half of the sixth century and produced in Etruria, probably in imitation of eastern examples.
