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LOT 0544
Greek Terracotta Protome Mask
LATE 6TH-EARLY 5TH CENTURY B.C.
4 3/4 in. (130 grams, 12 cm).
Modelled as a female head with rounded oval face, slightly bulging eyes and pronounced chin, indistinct smiling mouth with thin lips, outline of ears; low straight polos with fastening hole. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired 1970s-1996.
Property of a North American collector.
London collection, 2016.
Cf. Van Rooijen, G., Goddesses of Akragas, a study of terracotta votive figurines from Sicily, Leiden, 2021, no.163, for similar.
FootnotesThe figure belongs to a common type known from mainland Greece and the islands. The head clearly shows the so-called 'Archaic smile' visible on the dedicatory protomes of the same typology. They were terracotta votive offerings attached with a nail to the shrine of a goddess for ex-voto or to receive the grace of the represented goddess (Demeter?).
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AUCTIONS:
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The horse with an elongated neck and stylised features; mounted by a bearded rider gazing towards the sky, holding a shield in his left hand and a sword(?) in his right hand; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 286 grams total, 15 cm high including stand
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Terracotta figurines of horse and rider were common grave offerings in Boeotia, northwest of Attica, particularly during the 6th century B.C. Representations of warriors on horseback were already widespread in the Geometric Period, and widely used in Cyprus, during this period. -
Greek Core-Formed Glass Amphora
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Opening Bid: £250
Miniature with piriform body, carinated rim, applied handles and discoid foot, with polychrome geometric motif to the equator. 45.2 grams, 47 mm high
Fine condition.
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Greek Terracotta Head of a Woman
3rd-2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,860
With elaborate band of curls to the brow; spout or hole to the rear of the head; mounted on a custom-made display stand with old lot sticker to base. 675 grams total, 19 cm high including stand
Private European collection. with Genève Enchères, 12th December 2017, lot 861. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11612-199036.
