Scythian Bronze Roundel with Sea Scroll Pairs

A flat rectangular plaque with a punched dotted inscription 'ΘΕΚΡΙΤΑ ΑΡΤΕΜΙ… ΛΟΧΙΑΙ' to one face, pierced to the top for suspension; an inked inscription to the reverse 'Afort 3024'. 107 grams, 12.2 cm



Collection J.R., New York, 1981. with Artemis Gallery Auction, USA, 14 October 2015, no.55.

The inscription at the top of the plaque, ΘΕΚΡΙΤΑ ΑΡΤΕΜΙ… ΛΟΧΙΑΙ, identifies it as a votive pinax dedicated to the goddess Artemis Lochia, the protector of pregnant women and women giving birth. Sanctuaries of Artemis Lochia are attested in Brauron and Pergamon. The plaque was folded several times in Antiquity. On the reverse, a ledge at the edge, indicating that the plaque was soldered onto something in antiquity.

Featuring a monumental shallow bowl with two strap handles on the rim and a low foot; the inside of the bowl with a central scene featuring a nude winged male figure offering a lekythos to the woman seated before him; the woman dressed in a chiton and wearing a double-row necklace, large earrings and a diadem indicated by pellets, holding a double branch with leaves in her left hand; a low altar on the foreground and foliate and floral decoration beneath the scene; the scene enclosed within a painted grapevine border; four raised conical bosses on the rim and one on top of each handle; the lower part of the rim decorated with ovules; underside with a band of Greek key motifs and large palmettes on the sides, Side A: mythological scene with a satyr standing on the left, a seated woman at the centre holding a wreath and an open cista, her head turned towards another woman behind her, holding a fan and a ritual object in her hands; Side B: a draped female on the left, holding a stalk and a cista, advancing to the left while gazing back towards an advancing nude winged figure; restored. 3.1 kg, 49.5 cm wide



Private collection, South of France, acquired in 1999. Accompanied by a printed copy of the Spanish cultural export licence no.1775-3178156. Accompanied by a copy of a thermoluminescence report issued by Alliance Science Art, no.612151. 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.13460-261208.

The intricate designs and stylistic features of this kylix suggest it may belong to the followers of the renowned Darius Painter. The Darius Painter, active in Apulia (modern-day Southern Italy) during the late 4th century B.C., is known for his elaborate and finely detailed red-figure pottery. His works often depict complex mythological scenes and demonstrate a high level of artistic sophistication and technical skill. Key features that align this vessel with the Darius Painter and his workshop include the detailed mythological scene in the central medallion, the refined use of additional white and yellow pigments to highlight key elements, and the balanced composition of figures and decorative motifs. The presence of Eros and other mythological elements is also characteristic of the themes favoured by the Darius Painter.

Ellipsoid in section and rectangular in plan with incuse squid motif; pierced for use as a bead, but the end-holes not joined; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 2.53 grams, 19.1 mm



Private collection, 1980s. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13484-262458.

In a relatively large number of Minoan seals, it is difficult to determine unequivocally the exact type of animal depicted. Some are hybrid figures with hooves, animal legs or are posed with a frontal face. Some figures are crudely scratched in the field; others are more carefully modelled.