Description:

Ancient Greece, Classical period, ca. 6th to early 5th century BCE. A wondrous example of a hand-built terracotta sphinx standing atop a quartet of slender legs. The tubular body features a conical tail that projects off the verso, tapered shoulders that imbue the figure with a sense of elegance, and a pair of wings that curve upwards and coalesce above the back. The left-facing head features a characteristic human-like face with almond-shaped eyes and a petite nose; however, the incised lateral mane tabs as well as the minimalist headdress indicate that this is more beast than man. Traces of original pigment are visible along the face and suggest that this figure was at one time painted with vibrant pigments. Size: 4.125" L x 1.875" W x 3.7" H (10.5 cm x 4.8 cm x 9.4 cm)

Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities, New York, New York, USA; ex-Sotheby's, New York "Antiquities" auction (June 5, 1999, lot 295); ex-property of the Thetis Foundation, Geneva, Switzerland

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#155096

  • Condition: Repaired from a few large pieces, with resurfacing and light overpainting along break lines. Nicks to legs, body, wings, tail, and head, with softening to facial details, and chipping and fading to original pigment. Nice earthen deposits throughout and faint traces of pigment on head.

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April 23, 2020 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
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$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000