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LOT 0043
'The Metropolitan Museum of Art' Cypriot Limestone Votive Head of a Man
CIRCA 5TH CENTURY B.C.
5 1/8 in. (367 grams total, 13.1 cm high including stand).
Finely carved votive head with almond-shaped eyes and strong nose, lips set to a gentle smile, typical of the Greek kouroi of this period, wearing a conical headdress leaving the ears exposed; set on its original base from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, with item number '163' and three sale labels on the base.
ProvenanceLikely discovered by Luigi Palma di Cesnola in Cyprus, 1860s-70s.
Collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, likely acquired from the above in 1872.
Collection of Ira Martin, New York, acquired from the above on 12 March 1926.
with Christie’s, New York, Antiquities, 5 June 1998, no.133.
Private collection, thence by descent.
Exhibited at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, c.1872-1926.
LiteratureSee a figure in the British Museum, London, from the Sanctuary of Apollo, BM 1910,0620.9, for a similar votive.
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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LOT 0043
'The Metropolitan Museum of Art' Cypriot Limestone Votive Head of a Man
Sold for (Inc. bp): £2,860
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Greek Red Variegated Gemstone with Chalice and Birds
6th-4th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £234
Scaraboid type with incuse design to the underside of a footed chalice with two birds perched on the rim of the bowl; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 1.45 grams, 14 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Greek Corinthian Terracotta Alabastron
Archaic Period, circa 600-575 B.B.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Ovoid body, short neck, disc-shaped rim, a vestigial handle with suspension hole, decorated with linear motifs such as tongues, lines and dots, all organised in zones. 48.3 grams, 74 mm
From the private collection of a Sussex, UK, gentleman. -
Etruscan Carnelian Scarab with Bust of a Warrior in Later Victorian Gold Brooch
5th-4th century B.C. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £2,860
The scarab with anatomical detailing on the carapace, underside with a profile bust of a helmetted warrior; set in a later brooch frame with swivel mount for the scarab. 10.35 grams, 55 mm
Acquired on the European art market. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13358- 257891.
Egyptian-style scarabs and scaraboids were characteristic of Etruscan art from the 8th century B.C. Originally made in Phoenicia, Cyprus or Rhodes, these objects were made of faience, blue paste, glass paste, bone, or semi-precious stones of varying hardness, from steatite to quartz, onyx and jasper. Mounted in settings on revolving pendants of precious metal, later imitated by Etruscan goldsmiths, these Egyptianising items performed prophylactic-religious functions.