Loading, please wait...
LOT 0534
Parthian Terracotta Statuette Group
3RD CENTURY B.C.
6 1/4 in. (598 grams total, 15.5 cm each).
A pair of hollow-formed terracotta statuettes comprising: a rider on a rearing horse with chlamys extended in the wind, and wearing wide Persian trousers (saravara), red pigment in the field; Zeus enthroned, facing with an eagle at his feet, hole to the reverse. [2]
ProvenanceEx private European collection.
with Genève Enchères, 14 December 2017, lot 863.
Cf. Bel, N., Giroire, C., Gombert, F., Rutschowscaya, M.H., L'Orient romain et byzantin au Louvre, Arles / Paris, 2012, p.224, fig.205, for identical cavalryman (Louvre AO 10221).
FootnotesThe costume of Parthian nobles consists of a tunic or wrapped jacket, trousers and boots/footwear, generally typical of a riding dress. Interestingly, the right side of the tunic was knee-length (consistent with those seen with early Sassanian noblemen depicted at the Persepolis graffiti) but the left side of the tunic, for many Parthian cavalrymen, appears shorter and only reaches to the upper thigh.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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 0534
Parthian Terracotta Statuette Group
Estimate £400 - 600€460 - 700 (for guidance only)$540 - 810 (for guidance only)
-
Parthian Gold and Garnet Earrings
2nd-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,300
A matched pair of gold earrings each a hinged hoop with lateral teardrop cells set with cabochon garnets and disc cells to the apex with similar; bulbous central section with filigree and granulation detailing, cells with lapis lazuli and garnet cloisons; attached with four vertical filigree stringers to a stepped octahedral lower section with applied bosses and pearl seed-beads, granule cluster finial. 9.6 grams total, 57 mm each
Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Important North West London collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11609-199711. -
Greek Red-Figure Hydria with Fighting Between Amazons and Greek or Trojan Heroes
4th century B.C.Estimate: £8,000 - 10,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £4,000
A red-figure terracotta hydria with mythological scene, the vessel with integral round-section upward facing handles, a third, round-section handle placed vertically between shoulder and upper neck to rear; laurel sprigs to the neck with traces of gilding; combat scene with Amazons (and Trojans?) below, armed with short swords and crescent shields, most wearing an exomis leaving the shoulder and one breast uncovered; volute palmettes below both side handles, a panel of tiered and swirling volutes to the rear, all on a band of egg-moulding, repeated around the rim; possibly Apulian or Campanian; restored. 3 kg, 46 cm high
Ex collection Woodyat, Rome, Italy, 1912. with Vente Genève, 24 & 25 June 1960. Private European collection. 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.11581-199028.
The mythological topic of this hydria is fascinating, representing the fight between Amazons and Greek or Trojan heroes (suggested by the central cavalryman wearing a Phrygian cap). During this period, Amazons were no longer represented as Persian or Scythian warriors, as in Attic red-figure ceramics, but depicted as athletic parthenoi and wearing chitons. Rather than the oriental costume and armour, the Amazons wear a short exomis with a bare shoulder and breast (Patten, 2013, PI.VI, I, VI,2, 2 and 3). -
Greek Marble Head of a Female
4th-1st century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £715
A head of a female carved in white marble, modelled in the round with semi-naturalistic facial features and hair tied back into a chignon at the nape of the neck. 163 grams, 59 mm high
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private collection since 1998.