LOT 1622

South Arabian Carving of a Nude Couple in Erotic Embrace with Inscription

1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.

5 1/4 in. (380 grams total, 13.3 cm including stand).

Modelled in the round as two figures embracing, the upper figure with a pseudo inscription to the back; mounted on a custom-made stand.

Formerly in the collection of Mr K.
Ex collection of Mr H., acquired in Switzerland in the early 2000s.
Private collection, Switzerland, acquired in 2010.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12875-241696.

Cf. Al-Mazroo, H.I., A stylistic and comparative study of unpublished pre-Islamic stone sculptures from Arabia,London, 1990, fig.11 and pl.19, for the style of bronze statuettes.

Through trade the religion of Pre-Islamic Arabian Peninsula was subject to a certain measure of foreign influence, which is demonstrated by the discovery of some outstanding bronze statuettes of obvious mythical or religious character in various localities, for example at Qaryat al-Fau. The most important statuettes include a representation of Harpocrates, son of the Goddess Isis (goddess of fertility), Minerva (goddess of wisdom), and a statuette of a dolphin which is known to have been regarded in Graeco-Roman and Nabataean mythology as a symbol of protection.