Greek Tripod Vessel with Handle

With rectangular stamp possibly bearing the names 'ΣΑΤΥΡΟ (SATYROS) Θ[ράσωνος] (Thrasonos)', and short handled trident to left. 130 grams, 80 mm



Acquired 1960s-1990s. From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.

The legend of the stamp usually comprises three elements, in full or abbreviated form: a) the name of a magistrate whose purpose was to date the amphora. In our case possibly Θράσωνος b) the name of the “fabricant” (manufacturer), who played a part in the production of the amphora (here SATYROS), c) ethnic element indicating the production’s place (maybe, here, associated with the the Θ of Θράσωνος, Knidos).

Modelled in the round with a muscular nude body, his club resting on his shoulder and the hair dressed in rows of tight, close-set curls underneath the Nemean lionskin hood with cloak billowing over his left arm, the paws tied across his chest; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 290 grams total, 14.5 cm high (19.5 cm high including stand)

Fine condition, excellent uniform patina.

with Sotheby's, New York, 21 November 1985, no.60. Ex private New York collection. 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.11794-206497.

The statuette assumes the position of the 'attacking Hercules', which characterises numerous Etruscan statues of the hero of the classical era, however, with a less aggressive stance. The type was probably an Etruscan creation of the 5th century B.C., based on Greek models, which lasted until the end of the Hellenistic period, when Etruria was by then incorporated into the Roman world. This statuette, despite certain anatomical stylisation and an impersonal characterisation of the face, is the result of a good artistic and technical quality. The comparison of the artwork with the group identified as ‘Trieste’ from Colonna shows that this specimen is more recent and should be dated to the end of the Hellenistic Age. These small statuettes were probably offered ex-voto by the Romano-Etruscan aristocracy of the period.

Squat biconvex body with narrow base, strap handles attached to the disc above the central post on the upper face, with offset tubular spout; painted with bands of red pigment to the shoulder and disc. 270 grams, 11.5 cm high



Ex Peter Cran ciollection, Scotland, who worked as an engineer for the Cypriot public works department 1931-1946; thence by descent. Acquired from Bonhams, London, 23 May 2012, no.6 (part). From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages and the original Bonhams lot tag.