Hellenistic Bronze Ring with Stag

With hair divided in vertical arrangements, bound on the back by a fillet, delicate rendering of mouth, nose and eyes; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 38 grams total, 64 mm including stand



Ex P. A., Hertfordshire, UK, specialist collection of Greek art, 1980-1990s.

It seems that half-draped women in sculpture, whatever the pose, are quite rare before the late Hellenistic period; however, they appear as early as the 4th century B.C., on a small scale and in terracotta. North Macedonian terracotta figurines of Aphrodite or mortal girls replicate sculptural trends of the 2nd century B.C. In particular, the the classical sculptural tradition was revived during the latter half of the second century B.C., as evidenced by the figurines.

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 square-section shoulders, ellipsoid bezel with incuse stag motif within a linear border. 5.81 grams, 25.58 mm overall, 18.10 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



Ex old English collection. London art market, pre 2000. Property of a London, UK, gentleman.