Choose Category:

Home > Auctions > Starting 9th September 2025 > South Arabian Alabaster Plaque with Bull's Head

Print page | Email lot to a friend

Back to previous page


Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Gallery loading...

LOT 0188

Sold for (Inc. bp): £572

SOUTH ARABIAN ALABASTER PLAQUE WITH BULL'S HEAD
3RD-1ST CENTURY B.C.
7 3/4 in. (2.18 kg total, 19.7 cm including stand).

Comprising a square panel with a bull's head in low-relief, striated eyes and flaring nostrils, a thick tuft of hair arranged between the eyes, acanthus leaf between curved horns; mounted on a custom-made display stand.

PROVENANCE:
UK collection, 1990s.
Acquired on the UK art market, before 2000.
Private collection, Mr M.V., a London-based businessman.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

LITERATURE:
Cf. Cleveland R.L., An Ancient South Arabian Necropolis, objects from the second campaign (1951) in the Timna Cemetery, Baltimore, 1951, pp.36ff, and pl.61ss, for similar examples (esp.61).

FOOTNOTES:
Along with the ibex, the bull is one of the most frequently represented animals in the sculpture found in the Arabian cemeteries, like Timna.

CONDITION
VETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous 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.