Life-Size Stone Head of a Centaur

18TH CENTURY A.D.

17 3/4 in. (21.4 kg, 45 cm high).

Carved in the round bust depicting a faun or centaur with a youthful face; the hair falling in exuberant curls over the goat-like ears, the mouth parted in laughter, the eyes set beneath a stern brow; on an integral pedestal base with repair to reverse.

Provenance

Private collection, UK.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13392-259012.

Literature

Cf. Haskell, F. and Penny, N., Taste and the Antique, The Lure of Classical Sculpture, 1500-1900, London, 1982, pp.176-9.

Footnotes

Monumental marble centaurs were excavated together at Hadrian's Villa in December 1736. Pope Clement XIII secured them for the Capitoline Museum, where they remain to this day. Bronze reproductions of the famous centaurs were very much in vogue amongst the Grand Tour travellers of the 18th century.

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.

LOT 0338