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LOT 0062
Hellenistic Bronze Protome of a Maenad
3RD-2ND CENTURY B.C.
5 1/2 in. (541 grams, 14 cm).
Modelled in the half-round as a maenad or Artemis, hollow to the reverse with diadem of ivy leaves with clusters of berries at the centre, exaggerated lentoid eyes, peplos dress secured at her left shoulder by a disc brooch and at her right with a cloven hoof.
ProvenanceAcquired before 1983.
Ex London gallery, 1990s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12519-231946.
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.
The Greek deity Artemis was the goddess of hunting, associated with wild animals and woodland as well as childbirth. She was often linked with folk magic and witchcraft due to her role as goddess of the moon. She was identified by the Romans with the goddess Diana. Artemis was born, with her twin brother Apollo, on the island of Delos, daughter of Zeus and Leto. Homer refers to her as Artemis Agrotera, Potnia Theron: "Artemis of the wildland, Mistress of Animals". Her best-known cult sites were on the island of Delos, in Attica at Brauron and Mounikhia, and in Sparta. She was often depicted in paintings and statues in a forest setting, carrying a bow and arrows, and accompanied by a deer. In Greek classical art, she is usually portrayed as a maiden huntress: young, tall and slim, clothed in a girl's short skirt, with hunting boots, a quiver, a bow and arrows. When portrayed as a moon goddess, Artemis wore a long robe and sometimes a veil covering her head. Her darker side is revealed in some vase paintings, where she is shown as the death-bringing goddess whose arrows fell young maidens and women, such as the daughters of Niobe. Artemis was also identified with the ancient mother goddess at Ephesus in modern-day Turkey and it was there that a huge temple was built in her honour, long recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
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AUCTIONS:
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Large Greek Period Bronze Arrowhead Collection
5th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
High-quality, mainly leaf-shaped with long median socket. 56.4 grams total, 27-70 mm
From an English collection formed before 2000. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Greek Macedonian Bronze Pyxis
8th century B.C.Estimate: £700 - 900 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £350
'Sickle-type' pyxis composed of a lentoid-section body with integral bird protomes, incised detailing and scalloped openwork finial; lid elliptical in plan with a central stem crowned by a pierced discoid flange, also adorned with stylised bird protomes; corresponding perforations in lid and body used to fasten the component parts together. 69 grams total, 75 mm
Acquired in Germany in 2001. Acquired by the present owner from the above. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
Two pyxides of similar form were found at Samos, but the type is believed to have originated in Macedonia. -
Greek Gold Ring and Earring Set with Rosettes
4th century B.C.Estimate: £3,000 - 4,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,500
Comprising: finger ring with twisted-rod hoop ending in loops with granule ornament, swivelling hollow-formed drum-shaped plaque with applied filigree and granule clusters in a rosette motif; two earrings, each with a smaller version of the ring's plaque mounted on a hooked wire with fastener. 14.6 grams total, earrings: 23-24 mm, ring: 23.59 mm overall, 21.52 x 17.44 internal diameter (approximate size British P 1/2, USA 7 3/4, Europe 16.86, Japan 16)
Acquired on the UK art market 1971-1974. Private collection, London. 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 no.12493-230329. 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.
