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LOT 1273
Syro-Hittite Bronze Idol
LEVANT, CIRCA 2000-1750 B.C.
2 1/2 in. (2 7/8 in.) (31 grams, 63 mm (60 grams total, 73 mm including stand)).
Modelled in the round columnar figure with pinched facial features, arms folded across the chest and open crotch; mounting peg beneath feet; supplied with a custom-made stand. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the Swiss private collection of Hans Wiedemann, Biel/Bienne, since the 1990s.
Ex S. L. Antiquarian Biel/Bienne, Switzerland.
Private Swiss collection, Basel-Landschaft, acquired from T. B. on the Swiss art market, Basel.
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.
Figures like this one were presented as offerings in the temples, however they were also used in households to protect against evil spirits.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a 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:
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Sumerian Limestone Bull Head Protome
3rd millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £25,350
With large eyes, the pupils inlaid in black chlorite, bone insert for the sclerae, three arching grooved brows, the wide muzzle with a horizontal incision between the nostrils, closed mouth; sockets to the sides of the head to accept separately made horns and ears; the edge of the neck contoured for attachment; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 1.24 kg total, 14.5 cm high including stand
Private European collection, 1985. with Christie’s, New York, 3 June 2009, no.35. Private collection, Europe. 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 number no.12358-226703. 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.
In Sumerian mythology, the bull was associated with the storm and rain god Hadad (Iškur), and is widely represented on artworks (Woolley, 1961, pp.46, 52; Kramer, 1979, figs.17, 18, 22). The round inlaid eyes are typical of Sumerian art of Early Dynastic Period, as well as the triple eyebrows. -
Large Western Asiatic Dark Green Glazed Bowl
10th century A.D.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
With conical bowl, short stem and flared foot; green-glazed bowl with incised swags to the inner face. 401 grams, 16.1 cm wide
Ex London, UK, gallery, 1971-early 2000s. London, UK, collection. 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. -
Western Asiatic Bronze Incense Burner in the Shape of an Eagle
9th-11th century A.D.Estimate: £4,000 - 6,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,800
With outstretched wings and erect body, open beak and eyes hollowed to accept inserts, five-feather spread tail and a rectangular socket to the back; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 430 grams total, 11 cm including stand
Béla Hein collection, Paris, France, before 1931. 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 a search certificate number no.12569-232077. 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.
Béla Hein (1883-1931) was a prominent dealer and collector of African art in early 20th century Paris. In the early 1920s, he founded a gallery specialising in African art, contemporary sculpture, and a variety of curiosities, including antiquities. Hein's influence extended across the art world, and his collection reflected a keen eye for both historical and aesthetic significance.
