Large Greek Bronze Fibula

Of Plain Style, comprising a broad mouth and neck with torus rim, vertical handles with central rib, bulbous body, stepped disc foot; laurel wreath on the neck and a meander pattern to the lower body; Side a) a youth wearing a himation and shoes, before him a woman carrying a basket and a fillet, wearing a sleeveless chiton, himation, and a sphendone (a fillet decorated by black dots), between the two figures a standing goose before a large flower, a suspended mirror above the figures; Side b) a draped young boy holding a ball and a strigil, the slightly taller youth dressed in a himation and leaning on a staff, a haunch of meat hanging between the figures. 2.49 kg, 33.5 cm



with Bonhams, London, 13 April 2000, no.167. Private collection, Suffolk. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12903-242647.

The haunch of meat (note the hoof), was a type of 'love gift' seen in Attic vase-painting. It could also refer to honorary shares of sacrificial meat: animal sacrifice had been a central part of Greek religious life since the Prehistoric era.

Modelled with large prominent ears and neatly cut short hair, rounded facial detailing with large eyes and flattened nose, the upper body and hands wrapped inside a pleated cloak, hollow to the reverse; the bust emerging from a lotus flower resting atop a lion's claw foot with a mounting spike on the reverse; mounted on a display stand. 130 grams total, 11.9 cm including stand



Collection of Ambassador G.P., nr.126, before 1965. with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland.

Including tubular, oblate, melon, biconical, polyhedral and other types in glass and other materials. 122 grams total, 1-20 mm



London, UK, collection, 2000s.