Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0027
Minoan Red Jasper Seal Depicting a Lion Attacking a Bull
LATE HELLADIC, CIRCA 1400-1300 B.C. OR LATER
1 in. (7.45 grams, 26 mm).
Of lentoid form with domed reverse, showing a lion attacking a bull from above with its jaws and claws sunken into the bull's hindquarters, the bull shown standing with its head turned towards the lion in the act of trying to pry it off with its long horns; pierced horizontally.
Provenance
With Münzen und Medaillen A.G., Basel, prior 1980.
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.12465-228767.
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.
Published
John H. Betts, Corpus der Minoischen und Mykenischen Siegel, Band X, Die Schweizer Sammlungen, (Berlin 1980) 194, cat.
nr. 219, doubted by the author.
Literature
See similar seals in Betts, J.F., Corpus der Minoischen und Mykenischen Siegel, Band X, Die Schweizer Sammlungen, Berlin, 1980, no.218, p.193; Boardman, J., Greek Gems and Finger Rings, Early Bronze Age to Late Classical, London, 1970 (2001), nos.86 [lion attacking a goat also in red jasper], 138, 159 [agate lentoid],169 [lion attacking bull, from Mycenae],172, 182 for Minoan gems with similar scenes; see a lioness attacking a bull, in Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, lentoid shape seal (about 1470-1410 B.C.), accession no.23.576.
CONDITIONVETTING:
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 0027
Minoan Red Jasper Seal Depicting a Lion Attacking a Bull
Sold for (Inc. bp): £5,720
RELATED LOTS
-
Scythian Bronze Eagle-Head Mount
5th-3rd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
With an almond-shaped eye and hooked beak, hatching above the head and pierced through the cheek. 9 grams, 40 mm
Ex North American private collection, 1970s-1990s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. -
Greek Fragmentary Terracotta Red-Figure Hydria
Paestan or Apulian, 4th century B.C.Estimate: £6,000 - 8,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,700
Comprising the upper two thirds of the vessel; on the shoulder a facing woman's head with diadem and half-veiled face; rosettes to left and right, with suspended ribbons and dots; vine motif around the body with floral ornaments; to the reverse, palmettes and vines; band of laurel with rosettes around the neck and wavy band at the mouth; reassembled from various fragments with three large areas of restoration, only the beginnings of the handles preserved; mounted on a custom-made stand. 1.95 kg, 31 cm (2.6 kg total, 47.5 cm high including stand)
Ex Herbert A. Cahn, Basel, 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.12475-228738. 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.
The face-veiling gesture is a known marriage rite; the diadem may suggest that she is intended to represent Persephone. Alternatively, the veiled woman might be a dancer as many terracotta figurines of dancing women are shown with face-coverings. However, the floral ornaments could indicate a funeral or sepulchral context. -
Greek Terracotta Black Glazed Bowl
4th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
With lustrous black glaze with metallic shimmer; shallow bowl on ring foot; fine double drill-hole in the ring for suspension; carinated inner edge, carinated lip to sidewall; base in reserve with two concentric circles in red; old collector's label 'N12960' to underside. 153 grams, 10.1 cm
Private collection Bavaria. By descent, in possession of the family since 1960s-1970s. German art market, 2013. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss Register certificate no.S00111200. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
