Loading, please wait...

Large Greek Red-Figure Pelike with Nike Large Greek Red-Figure Pelike with Nike Large Greek Red-Figure Pelike with Nike Large Greek Red-Figure Pelike with Nike Large Greek Red-Figure Pelike with Nike Large Greek Red-Figure Pelike with Nike
Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Details

LOT 0061

Large Greek Red-Figure Pelike with Nike

APULIAN, 3RD-2ND CENTURY B.C.

10 1/4 in. (1.19 kg, 26 cm high).

Comprising a pedestal base, mastoid body, lateral strap handles and funicular neck, broad mouth with stepped rim; the neck decorated with a band of egg-and-dart; palmette below each handle, flanked by tendrils and flowers; Side A: naked Eros (Cupid), hair in a bun and tied with a cloth, right arm outstretched and holding a flower by the stem, left hand holding leaves and tendrils; Side B: Nike standing in himation and stephane, holding up a drum-shaped object and supporting leaves and tendril, flower patterns to the background.

Provenance

Acquired on the art market between the late 1990s and mid-2000s.
Estate of the late Barry Paul Buxton (1944–2024), Oakham, Rutland.
Acquired on the UK art market, 2025.

Accompanied by a thermoluminescence analysis report no.N126a15 from Oxford Authentication.
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.13089-248952.

Literature

Cf. for a Pelike in similar style the BM inv.no.1867,0508.1278 in In Trendall, A.D., Cambitoglou, A., The red-figured vases of Apulia, Oxford, 1978, no.20 p.144.

Footnotes

The Greek term pelike (pl. pelikai) was used for a number of shapes, and it is not certain what this one-piece vessel with a distinctive sagging belly was called in antiquity. It seems to have been invented after the introduction of the red-figure technique, although there are examples in black-figure. It continued to be produced into the 4th century and in the Roman period. It is shown in use as a container for liquids, especially wine, and in this context was linked with Bacchus, Pan, and Silenus.

CONDITION
VETTING:

TimeLine 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:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

With Thermoluminescence Analysis Report

LOT 0061

Large Greek Red-Figure Pelike with Nike

Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,860

Print page

RELATED LOTS
  • Italic Carnelian Scarab with Satyr Mounted in a Gold Swivel Ring
    Italic Carnelian Scarab with Satyr Mounted in a Gold Swivel Ring
    4th-3rd century B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,404

    Carved scarab with detailed carapace, legs and mouth; underside with intaglio standing figure holding an amphora; set into a later gold swivel ring. 5.30 grams, 23.85 mm overall, 14.56 x 17.70 mm internal diameter (approximate size British J 1/2, USA 5, Europe 9.32, Japan 9)



    Private collection, Europe. Acquired on the English art market.

    It is clear that the sculptor devoted more care and attention to carving the scarab itself rather than its intaglio.

    Lot Details

  • Parthian Bronze Bowl
    Parthian Bronze Bowl
    2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £117

    Broad and squat with flared sidewall and lip to the inner edge of the mouth. 250 grams, 16.1 cm



    Ex 1990s collection and with a central London gallery.

    Lot Details

  • The Smithsonian Greek Terracotta Horse
    Previously on Display at the Smithsonian Institution
    'The Smithsonian' Greek Terracotta Horse
    Italy, 3rd-1st century B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £6,240

    Modelled in the round, horse in advancing pose with one foreleg raised, flange base; old collector's number '170439' to base; old label '170[...]' and '102' to lower body; neck repaired. 1.15 kg, 19.4 cm



    Private collection of Baron d’Ussés. Acquired by F.B. Spiridon, New York, believed before 1894. Acquired by Eleanor Magruder (1852-1906), and thence by descent to her heirs in 1906. Accompanied by photographs of the object on display at the Smithsonian Institution and of the corresponding accession catalogue entry. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13108-248975.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list