Scythian Ibex Mount

A matched pair of gold earrings, each composed of a round-section hoop, onto which are threaded pearl and filigree beads; one end detached. 1.4 grams total, 18-20 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired 1970-2010. Collection of a late Japanese gentleman.

A carved marble head of Hermes with densely curled hair, stern facial expression beneath a broad brow, luxuriant curled beard falling in waves and cut square at the lower edge; mounted on a custom-made display stand; a Roman copy after a 5th century B.C. Greek original. 32.2 kg total, 52 cm high including stand

Slot to top of head.

with Chaucer Fine Arts Ltd, 1980s. English private collection. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Marina Mattei and Dr Laura Maria Vigna. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11615-199747.

This type of this archaic sculpture can be traced back to the original of which many copies and variants have been preserved: the Hermes Propylaios by the Attic sculptor Alkamenes, a pupil of Phidias, active in the second half of the 5th century B.C. According to some theories, the herma was created for the Propylaea of the acropolis of Athens, as patron deity of doors and entrances; according to others, this type of bearded Hermes is not to be located at the Propylaea, but in various possible places inside the Acropolis.

A single gold earring composed of a twisted wire hoop, stylised bust of a sphinx with detailed breast and lion paws. 2.55 grams, 26 mm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

Earrings with a sphinx represent a variety of the earrings created by the Hellenised goldsmiths of the Black Sea area. These figures usually had an inlaid garnet and are dated between late 3rd and 2nd century B.C. They belong to the category of earrings with a female head, often visible in graves of the Black Sea area and not always of good quality.