Hellenistic Bronze Ring with Hoplite

Comprising three horizontal rows of embossed dots, divided by pearled framework, three fastening holes on both sides, two later added gold loops to enable the piece to be worn as a pendant. 4.89 grams, 54 mm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

The embossed decoration finds parallels with embossed bronzes from Coste del Marano, where the model of a small boat is decorated in repoussé with the same bosses divided by similar dotted lines.

With rounded loop handles with elaborate palmettes below, pedestal foot; Side A with nude Eros flying left, holding a dish in his right hand; Side B with a standing female (Psyche?) waiting for Eros and offering a wreath with her left hand, dressed in a flowing peplos, a small altar before. 90 grams, 27 cm wide



Ex Barnard & Moore, 2003. From a Norfolk, UK, private collection. Accompanied by an original thermoluminescence analysis report no.N123k4 from Oxford Authentication. Accompanied by an old Moore Antiquities identification card with reference no.1958 and invoice dated 26 July 2003. 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 a search certificate number no.11918-205900.

The Iliupersis Painter was a south Italic Greek vase painter whose name is unknown. The name derives from a represented scene in a volute crater in the British Museum depicting the sacking of Troy (Iliou Persis). The characteristic pillar-shaped monument depicted here can be seen also on the MET hydria, where the closed foot of the woman corresponds in detail to the one on our vase. The Iliupersis Painter was a prolific and innovative artist, active just before mid 4th century B.C., whose work set the standard for the large, ornate-style vases of the second half of the same century: volute-kraters with plastic masks on the volutes, increased polychromy, complex floral ornament, multilevel compositions, mourners surrounding funerary naiskoi and stelei.

With a delicately modelled face and full lips, hooped earrings visible from beneath her hair; the hair with central parting and pulled to a chignon at the nape of the neck; wearing a diadem with central embellishment; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 41.3 grams total, 75 mm high including stand



Ex French Sorbonne archaeology professor (deceased); 1960s -2000s.

These figurines were most probably manufactured in Hellenistic cities by craftsmen who used either light yellow or dark brown clay. After the firing, the surface of the clay became reddish, while the core became grey-brown. The majority of the figurines were made from untreated clay with many impurities, such as coarse grain. Due to the quality of the clay the surface of the figurines was often rugged, despite the retouch, but were painted with vivid colours.