Description:

Western Greece, Rhodes, Archaic period, ca. 7th to 5th century BCE. An elegant terracotta protome depicting a lovely goddess, perhaps Circe since she is holding a wand in one hand and a pig in the other. Circe is best known for an episode of Homer's "Odyssey" in which she transformed Odysseus' men into swine. Circe presents well-modeled facial features including a subtle Archaic smile, almond-shaped eyes, an aquiline nose, and a rounded chin - this visage crowned by a centrally parted wavy coiffure and wearing a polos. A lovely example that speaks to the importance of female religious figures in ancient Greece. Size: 9.5" W x 11.75" H (24.1 cm x 29.8 cm); 13.5" H (34.3 cm) on included custom stand.

A protome is a type of bust made by pressing a thin layer of terracotta into a single mold. These were first made in Rhodes, but from the early fifth century BCE onwards they spread throughout Greece. Originally, this piece would have been painted in vibrant colors; this said, the monochrome clay body is pleasing to us today.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Richard Wagner collection, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA, acquired in the 1970s

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.

#139008

  • Condition: Repaired from several large pieces, but very well done. Expected surface wear with nicks to edges. Scattered mineral deposits.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

October 11, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

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

Bid Increments
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