Western Asiatic Marble Ibex Head with Painted Eyes and Remains of Original Pigment

MID 1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.

9 1/8 in. (1.4 kg total, 23.2 cm high including stand).

Carved in the round with fine facial detailing; flaring nostrils and deep-set mouth, beard beneath the chin; inlaid eyes with raised black lids framing the large pupils, curving horns with ribbed detailing picked out in black pigment; mounted on a custom-made display stand.

Provenance

Acquired on the London art market, 1993.
Property of a gentleman.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12069-214290.

Literature

Cf. Shepperd, D.G., ‘A bronze sculpture from Iran’ in The Bulletin of the Cleveland Museum of Art, Vol. 48, no.10 (Dec 1961), pp.255-258, figs. 1, 4, 5, for similar ibexes in metal.

Footnotes

In Mesopotamian art, wild sheep, ibexes, gazelles, antelopes, and goats of various species are frequently represented in art from the earliest times until the Parthian period.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine 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:

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.

LOT 0257