Lot 33A
Ancient Greece, Hellenistic, ca. 3rd to 1st century BCE. A naturalistic sculptural rendering of a pomegranate with a characteristically globular form, a fluted bud atop, and a pointed base. The pomegranate, one of the earliest fruit species to be domesticated, was an important symbol in ancient Greece. In Polykleitos' image of Hera in the Argive Heraion, she holds a sceptre in one hand and a pomegranate in the other; Herodotus wrote of Persian soldiers carrying spears adorned with silver and gold pomegranates rather than spikes; Homer wrote about them in the Odyssey. Furthermore, the pomegranate, because of its large edible seeds, continues to be associated with life and rebirth. A very special and rare piece! Size: 2.4" in diameter x 3.8" H (6.1 cm x 9.7 cm); 4.25" H (10.8 cm) on included custom stand.
Perhaps the most famous mythological story about pomegranates comes from the kidnapping of Persephone by god of the Underworld Hades. It was the rule of the Fates that anyone who consumed food or drink in the Underworld was doomed to spend eternity there, so Hades tricked Persephone into eating six pomegranate seeds, forcing her to remain in the Underworld for six months of the year. Her mother, Demeter, goddess of fertility, mourned her during this period, autumn and winter. Perhaps this piece was dedicated to Persephone.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex private D.K. Collection, New York, USA, acquired in 2000s
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#155726
- Condition: Restoration to some stem prongs, with resurfacing and overpainting along break lines. Nicks and abrasions to body, top, and bottom, with light encrustations within original perforation on bottom cone, and minor fading to pigmentation. Nice earthen deposits throughout.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $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 |