Description:

Europe, Italy, Etruria, ca. 8th century CE. A cast bronze axe head with a gorgeous, bright blue and green mottled patina. The blade is thin, with a sharp, curved edge. Instead of a socket, the butt of the axe head flares outward in two horizontal teardrop-shaped panels that would have a handle inset between them. Each panel has multiple concentric circles in a cruciform pattern on their exterior; circles like that are a common decoration on ancient weaponry and are widely believed to have been wards against the evil eye. Comes with custom stand. Size: 4.05" W x 7.75" H (10.3 cm x 19.7 cm); height on stand: 10.5" (26.7 cm)

Etruria - modern day Tuscany, Lazio, and Umbria - was rich in metals, including copper, and the Etruscans drew upon their native resources to become master bronze smiths. Beautiful bronze items like this weapon were made not only for use in Etruria, but traded abroad, where the Etruscan reputation for bronze work was well known.

Published: J. Eisenberg, "Art of the Ancient World", 2012, no. 85; cf, "Die Welt der Etrusker", exhibition catalogue, Berlin, 1988, pg. 61, no. 4.7, fig. 64

Provenance: ex-German collection; acquired in London in 1990; Published: J. Eisenberg, "Art of the Ancient World", 2012, no. 85

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#123470

  • Condition: Gorgeous bright green patina. Slight losses to edge of blade.

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February 15, 2018 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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