Loading, please wait...

Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge

Details

LOT 0037

Massive Archaic Greek Terracotta Statuette of a Seated Goddess Demeter

LATE 6TH CENTURY B.C.

22 3/4 in. (2.02 kg, 57.7 cm).

Seated on a high-backed throne, wearing a polos headdress with two long braids falling from underneath the headdress, wearing a long chiton fastened by a belt, the left arm raised, possibly once holding a dove; well marked facial features, slightly almond-shaped large symmetrical eyes with slightly raised eyelids, straight nose, strongly pronounced mouth with fleshy lips and shallow ears; traces of brown slip, repaired.

Provenance

with H.A.C., Basel, prior 1999.

Accompanied by a thermoluminescence analysis report no.N125a51 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 no.12461-228712.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

Literature

Cf. Biers, W.R., The Archaeology of Greece. An Introduction, Ithaca-London, 1987, fig.8.63, p.236, for a similar statuette; see a similar terracotta of seated Demeter at the Brooklyn Museum, accession no.34.689; other similar terracottas at the British Museum, London, accession nos. GR 1863, 0728, 273, 274, 266, 268 and 269.

Footnotes

One of the most typical 6th century B.C. terracotta female figurines was that of a standing or seated woman wearing a chiton and a himation over it. It was a votive figure offered at the shrines or temples, usually representing the goddess Demeter. Attica was one of the principal centres of figurine production, but Corinth continued to produce solid standing or seated females with moulded fronts and flat backs. The mass production of such terracotta was also typical of Magna Graecia.

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 0037

Massive Archaic Greek Terracotta Statuette of a Seated Goddess Demeter

Estimate £4,000 - 6,000€4,640 - 6,960 (for guidance only)$5,400 - 8,100 (for guidance only)

Print page

RELATED LOTS

  • Large Greek Geometric Bronze Spiral Fibula
    Large Greek Geometric Bronze Spiral Fibula
    7th-6th century B.C.

    Estimate: £500 - 700 (‡+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £250

    Formed from a single square-section filament rolled into two 'spectacle' discs; one of the spirals terminating in a long pin, the other in a hook serving as the catchplate; openwork figure-of-eight at the centre; pin present broken, coils separated. 159 grams, 17 cm



    Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

    Lot Details

  • Greek Terracotta Bellied Askos with Handle
    Greek Terracotta Bellied Askos with Handle
    4th century B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £715

    Unglazed ring above the foot, biconvex profile with carinated shoulder, loop handle and domed mouth, Western Greek type. 167 grams, 10 cm



    with Beaussant Lefèvre, Paris, 3 March 2006, no.89. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00035644. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

    Lot Details

  • Parthian Hammered Silver Drinking Vessel
    Parthian Hammered Silver Drinking Vessel
    2nd-1st century B.C.

    Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)

    Opening Bid: £150

    Squat bowl with integral raised foot, incised line beneath the rim. 171 grams, 16 cm



    London, UK gallery, 1971-early 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

    Lot Details

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