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LOT 0085
Hellenistic Painted Terracotta Figure of Aphrodite
MID 4TH-MID 3RD CENTURY B.C.
8 7/8 in. (493 grams, 22.5 cm high).
Bearing the weight of her body on her left leg, wearing a himation draped over her left and right arms, the right arm bent to grasp a part of the himation that falls behind her, leaving her shoulders uncovered and revealing her naked body; the head turned slightly to the left; the hair arranged in the typical flattering melon coiffure, parted into six large sections and gathered into a low bun; oval face with a small, fleshy mouth and a fine nose; wearing large circular earrings; her right hand resting on top of a small pillar, covered by the cloak; the lower part of the himation embroidered with volutes; the back flat with a square hole for attachment; red-brown pigment on the hair, white coating, traces of pink on the himation and red on the edges of the feet.
ProvenanceCollected in the 1950s-1990s.
Ex R. Liechti collection (1934-2010), acquired in Geneva.
Accompanied by an academic report by Raffaele D'Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11999-211931.
Cf. Reinach, S., Repertoire de la statuarie grecque et romaine, Paris, 1930, pp.334ff., and especially no.7 of p.334; Chesterman, J., Classical Terracotta Figures, New York, 1974; Ferruzza, M.L., Ancient Terracottas from South Italy and Sicily in the J.Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, 2016, no.25.
FootnotesIn particular in South Italy, two types of female statuettes leaning on small pillars were widespread, derived from Tanagra prototypes: the first type dressed in a high-belted chiton with crowned head, the second consisting of partially draped or nude female figures identified as Aphrodite, like our specimen. The Tanagra production ended in about 200 B.C., but the models created by the Boeotian workshops would continue to be produced until the end of the 1st century B.C. The statuette shows extensive traces of the original polychromy, characterised by strongly contrasting hues in keeping with the local style. The Tanagrine elements are mainly identifiable in the ‘melon coiffure’, the intense red colour of the hair and the pose characterised by the turned hip.
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LOT 0085
Hellenistic Painted Terracotta Figure of Aphrodite
Estimate £3,000 - 4,000€3,480 - 4,640 (for guidance only)$4,050 - 5,400 (for guidance only)
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Archaic Greek Terracotta Horse and Rider Statuette
7th-5th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Integrally modelled horse and rider with applied pellet eyes, traces of red pigment. 112 grams, 96 mm high
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
Terracotta figurines of horse and rider were common grave offerings in Boeotia, northwest of Attica, particularly during the 6th century B.C. Representations of warriors on horseback were already widespread in the Geometric Period, and widely used in Cyprus during this period. The rider, although influenced by Cypriot designs, does not show typical Cypriot characteristics. -
Cypriot Votive Limestone Head of a Young Man
6th-4th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,600
Modelled in the round with soft youthful features, short beard, small mouth and large lentoid eyes, tousled hair with a diadem above the brow; socket to the top of the head and remains of a spur to the reverse; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 3.86 kg total, 26.5 cm high including stand
Joseph Klein collection, formed in New York 1941-1980, thence by descent. Acquired from Bonhams, London, 24 October 2012, no.2. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. Accompanied by a copy of the relevant Bonhams catalogue pages. 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.12002-212101.
Votive sculptures were the commonest form of Cypriot sculptures of the period. They were erected within the precincts of temples or covered sanctuaries, around the altar at which the god was worshipped. Thus, on Cyprus, the statuary was conceived as an ex-voto, an image expressing the desire of the believer to enter into intimate communion with and reside under the eternal protection of the gods. -
Greek Red-Figure Fragment with Draped Figures
5th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,755
Depicting a young man dressed in a long cloak, the right hand resting on a staff, facing a young woman wrapped in a long himation, covering her head and leaving the face uncovered; the scene enclosed within a medallion decorated with meanders and chequered squares; remains of the stem to the reverse with painted figures on the edge; repaired. 91 grams, 13 cm
Acquired before 2005. Private collection, Europe. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11796-206819.
This red-figure scene once possibly formed part of a kylix, a cup made for drinking. The decoration of the tondo surrounding the figures allows a comparison with some works of the painter Onesimos and the potter Euphronios. In particular the meanders on the medallion, and the working of the figures, seems to recall the work of Onesimos, who preferred to decorate cups, many of them thrown by the famous Euphronios.
