Phrygian Silver Bow Brooch

An expressive polychrome vase formed as the head of an actor wearing rosette earrings, open mouth and applied pupils, short neck with everted rim above and a small strap handle to the rear. 69.3 grams, 75 mm



Ex Louis-Gabriel Bellon, France, (1819-1899). with Galerie Rhéa, Zurich, Switzerland. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12667-236389.

In Greek theatre, actors wore masks made from materials like linen and leather, which amplified expressions and helped actors take on multiple roles within a single play. Aristotle, in his Poetics, highlighted the importance of masks in conveying emotion and character, especially in large outdoor theatres. This terracotta, representing the satirical mask of a woman, with its lively and expressive features, would have brought both humour and recognisable character traits to the stage, engaging audiences with the playful spirit of Greek comedy.

Hollow-formed moulded head with conical cap, band above the brow with curls beneath, high-relief eyebrows and triangular nose, scaphoid protrusive eyes, tiny pursed mouth; collar to the neck with frontal pendant; ellipsoid vent to rear, flared rim to mouth; some loss to lateral edges at ear-level. 1.73 kg, 27.5 cm



with Phillips, London, 6 July 1993, no.127 (part). Private collection, London, UK. Acquired in London, UK, 2006. Accompanied by copies of the original Phillips and 2006 invoices. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13281-254405.

Modelled in the round with vertical piercing at the chest. 18.75 grams, 62.08 mm



Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.