Greek Terracotta Female Protome

Comprising a shallow bowl and broad flange rim, two integral scalloped handles with lateral scrolled flourishes, each tapering to a S-curved handle with swan-head terminals with incised eye and beak detailing; perforated whirl within roundel to interior base; accompanied by a custom-made display stand with mirror. 402 grams total, 19.7 cm including stand



with Hôtel des ventes de Belfort Sarl, October 2011, no.16. Acquired by the present owner at the above sale. 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.12209-222140. 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.

Elaborate gilded strainers, such as this present example, were used at symposia and festive occasions for the purpose of preventing the dregs of wine from entering the wine cup. This and other related silver utensils became popular in the later 4th and 3rd century B.C. These highly decorated wine strainers were fitted with dual handles forming loops in the shape of twisting animals, here a swan. Usually they took the form of a shallow dish complete with four rings of perforations in the centre in order to drain the wine. Strainers of this type were used to separate out sediments which could be found in the thick Greek wine. Examples similar to this one have been found in royal tombs in northern Greece, as well as the tomb of a monarch in Sudan.

Modelled in the half-round with stylised facial features and wearing a large helmet; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 94 grams total, 50 mm (66 mm including stand)



with Hotel Drouot, Succession of Former collection Colonel W. Mutiaux, Paris, 5 September 1952, lot 66. Ex collection of Eugène Muriaux (1846-1925?). From the collection M.W., Paris, France, 1950-1970. Ex collection of Françoise and Claude Bourelier. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

The man's helmet is typically Phoenician-Cypriot. Therefore, it is possible to consider this terracotta as the portrait of a Cypriot warrior, with Greek and Phoenician elements. The artefact is part of ex-voto productions with Greek-Phoenician characteristics widespread throughout the Eastern Mediterranean.

A globular flask with tubular neck and flared rim, loop handle to the shoulder and rib to the neck; concentric rings of red and black to the broad faces, radiating lines below the neck. 787 grams, 21.5 cm



Ex London art market 1990s. From a London, UK, collection. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.