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LOT 0090
Hellenistic Glass Gem with Goddess
3RD-2ND CENTURY B.C.
7/8 in. (2.52 grams, 22 mm).
Engraved with a goddess (Aphrodite?), facing right, peplos around her hips, her left elbow resting on a column and her left hand behind her body; the right hand outstretched and holding a sceptre; a snake(?) before.
ProvenanceAcquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s.
Important North West London collection.
Cf. Amorai-Stark, S., ‘Roman Wheel-cut Engraving, Dyeing and Painting Microquartz Gemstones’ in Journal of Archaeological Science, 2003, 30, pp.227-238, pl.2, fig.1, for the type.
FootnotesIn the famous Greek myth of the Gorgon, Aphrodite, jealous of their beauty, placed a curse on Medusa and her sisters, transforming their hair into snakes and making their gaze turn anyone into stone.
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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LOT 0090
Hellenistic Glass Gem with Goddess
Estimate £600 - 800€700 - 930 (for guidance only)$810 - 1,080 (for guidance only)
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Greek Terracotta Head Collection
3rd-2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
Each modelled in the round and and derived from a larger female figure, some wearing diadems and some with draped heads; each mounted on a custom-made display base. 491 grams total, 9.5-13.5 cm high including stand
Acquired in the 1970s. Ex European private collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11795-206534.
These figurines reflect sculptural prototypes. Interestingly the head of one of the women is draped in a himation, and the head is turned slightly to the right like the terracotta of Amisos which represents a dancer. 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, as is still visible on the pink polos on one of the heads. -
Greek Gold Eros Earrings
3rd-2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £598
Each composed of a slender wire hoop and a winged Eros plaque with detailing to the body, face and hair; closure loop to reverse. 3.24 grams total, 21 mm each
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Greek Bronze Bow Fibula
8th-7th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
Arched bow with a central bulb and ribbed collar, integral pin and large catch-plate. 93 grams, 99 mm
From the family collection of a Surrey gentleman since before 1960.
The function of the catch-plate fibulae was utilitarian and decorative, they were used for woollen clothing (Herodotus V, 87) and they have been found in houses, tombs and as votive offerings in sanctuaries. Our fibula is an early type, very often found in the graves of the Greek colonies of Southern Italy and widespread in the Magna Graecia. This typology was introduced there by the Greeks. Like all female fibulae, it functioned as a clothing fastener, usually worn as a pair on each shoulder.
