Phoenician Limestone Standing Goddess Holding a Bird

Comprising six fragments from a bowl once decorated with concentric circles around a central disc with expanding black rays, remains of palmette to the sides of the handle; the internal base with two facing warriors holding spears and a wreath, the older one depicted with a beard. 67 grams total, 34-89 mm



Acquired in Europe before 1990. Private collection, Europe. 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.11820-206481.

The Rider Painter was a Laconian vase painter active between 560 and 530 B.C. and is considered to be one of the five great vase painters of Sparta. He painted various forms predominantly kylikes but also lebetes, a form rare in this area. He mainly painted scenes from mythology, such as figures like Cadmos or Heracles, and tales such as the blinding of Polyphemus. In addition, he realised pictures from everyday life. The attribution of these fragments to his workmanship can be supported by the motifs painted on the exterior decoration of the vessel, and by the shape of the birds and figures. The illustrated scene fits within the warrior society of Spartan Laconia.

Rounded in form with pinched and impressed facial detailing, ridge to the shoulders and rump, hollow to the underside; remains of a very old label to one side. 236 grams, 10.4 cm



From the property of Mr O.S., a late Suffolk, UK, gentleman, who acquired at auction from the 1960s.

With flared basal ring, bulbous poppy-head body, tubular neck with transverse rib developing to a strap handle, trumpet-shaped mouth. 55 grams, 11 cm



Ex North Yorkshire, UK, collection, 1990s.