Lot 14
This lot is oversized / heavy and will require 3rd party shipping - please inquire before bidding.
Greece, Hellenistic period, ca. 3rd to 2nd century BCE. A large, early, exceedingly rare, and important mosaic from the Hellenistic period of Greek history. Once part of a large floor, likely in a palatial villa, temple, or shrine, it is composed of thousands of mostly round-cut "pebbles" in hues of dark brown, tan, and off-white. The central scene shows two maidens in profile, each holding a large lyre. Their hair is swept back in long rows and bound at the rear with a beaded tie. The women are set against a dark brown background and encircled in a Greek wave pattern with acanthus leaves in each corner. The top border is decorated with a continuous swastika and window-pane band. Size: 59" W x 72.875" H (149.9 cm x 185.1 cm)
Most mosaics from the Roman world were made using tesserae, Latin word meaning dice or cube. These small stone segments cannot actually be considered tesserae due to their rounded forms, hence the term "pebble" mosaic.
Due to the weight and large size, extra shipping expenses will be required. Ask for shipping quote prior to bidding.
Mosaics from the Greek period are extremely rare and do not often come up for auction. If you search the major auction houses you will find examples that have been sold over the last 30 years.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, ex H. Burki, Zurich before 2006;ex-Bernd Lehmann acquired April 28, 1961. Art Loss Register certificate issued November 10, 2006.
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.
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#190280
- Condition: As shown, missing section of stone pebbles mostly affecting lower left quarter. A remarkable example.
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| 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 |