Description:

Greece, Late Bronze Age, Mycenaean period, ca. 1300 to 1200 BCE. An elegantly minimalist pottery idol of a goddess known as a Psi figure to the similarity of their form with the Greek letter. The bichrome figure boasts an avianesque form with an extending, beak-like nose and large wing-shaped arms held out in supplication as though about to take flight, all adorned with red-painted stripes atop bare terracotta. Draped in a floor-length robe, her tubular body flares out at the base, while a tiara crowns her head. Though the function of psi figures is not precise, it has been suggested that they served votive figures, children's toys, grave offerings, or figures of a goddess or priestess for shrines. Their prominent yet petite breasts have caused scholars to believe they may also be representations of a mother goddess, and, therefore, should be included in the sphere of cult and ritual objects dedicated to fertility and fecundity. A remarkable testament to the timeless elegance of minimalist style and enduring importance of motherhood! Size: 2" W x 4.1" H (5.1 cm x 10.4 cm)

Cf. Yale University Art Gallery (1989.71.1) and Museum of Cycladic Art (kappa pi 0010). A similar though slightly larger Mycenaean pottery Psi figure was sold for 5000 British pounds (about $5,939.12) by Christie's London on July 3rd, 2018 (lot 46, live auction 15501).

Provenance: private West Hollywood, California, USA collection; ex-Lin Emery (1926-2021) collection, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, acquired prior to 2000

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#175561

  • Condition: Loss to end of left arm. Professionally repaired and restored with break lines visible in areas. Surface wear commensurate with age as shown. Nice preservation of pigments.

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November 17, 2022 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$2,000 $4,999 $250
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$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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