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LOT 0539
Greek Terracotta Protome Mask
LATE 6TH-EARLY 5TH CENTURY B.C.
4 1/8 in. (133 grams, 10.5 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, nos.96, 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?).
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:
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Greek Bronze Ring with Face
Circa 3rd-2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
With broad plaque, pointillé bands and roundels imitating a human mask. 7.47 grams, 27.25 mm overall, 23.27 mm internal diameter (approximate size British Y 1/2, USA 12 1/4, Europe 28.2, Japan 27)
From the collection of a High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, UK, gentleman, circa 2000. -
Greek Terracotta Protome Mask
Late 6th-early 5th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
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. 130 grams, 12 cm
Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector. London collection, 2016.
The 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?). -
Eastern Mediterranean Tripod Footed Jug with Strainer
1st millennium B.C. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £910
With a carinated body with conical feet to the base, a slender neck with trefoil mouth and pierced strainer panel to the spout, integral handle to the rear; displaying vertical notching to the equator and columns composed of shallow dimples to the upper body; chipped. 1.64 kg, 24 cm wide
with a London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s.
