Loading, please wait...
LOT 0545
Greek Terracotta Protome Mask Collection
CIRCA 4TH-3RD CENTURY B.C.
4 - 4 3/4 in. (290 grams total, 10.3-11.9 cm).
Three ceramic masks each moulded with a female face, pierced at the brow. [3, No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector.
London collection, 2016.
Cf. similar in the collection of the British Museum under accession no.1814,0704.808.
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.
-
Greek Black-Glazed Lekythos
5th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £572
Squat-bodied with a slender neck, shaped neck and D-section handle. 47 grams, 66 mm
Acquired in Europe before 2001. European collection. -
Eastern Mediterranean Flattened Terracotta Vessel with Bichrome Decoration
6th-4th century B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
Composed of a flask-shaped body with three loop handles to the equator for a carry cord, short spout, the upper or outer body displaying a bichrome painted geometric motif. 483 grams, 17 cm wide
Ex Rabi gallery, 1990s. Private collection of Iranian art. -
Greek Silver-Gilt Mask of Silenus
3rd-2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,470
Naturalistically modelled in repoussé as the mature and frowning face of the god Silenus; accompanied by a custom-made display stand. 9.4 grams, 37 mm (160 grams total, 98 mm high including stand)
Ex old English collection. London art market, 1980s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11849-207741.
In Greek mythology, Silenus was a god of the forest, associated with musical creativity, ecstatic dance and drunkenness. He was also a prophet and a bearer of dire wisdom. When the god Dionysus was born from the thigh of Zeus, Hermes took the infant to live with Silenus, where he was raised together with local nymphs in a cave on mount Nysa. Silenus was frequently present in the train of Dionysus, fought with the latter against the giants, and accompanied him on his adventures.
