Lot 33
Near East, Northwest Pakistan, ancient region of Gandhara, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. A deeply carved, high relief grey schist panel depicting two winged, nude figures most likely representing two versions of Atlas--the clean shaven figure with wavy curls on the right representing the youthful Atlas, and the bearded one with finely trimmed locks on the left representing the mature Atlas. Another possibility is that the pair represent Atlas and his brother Menoetius who both sided with the Titans in their war with the Olympians. When the Titans were defeated, many of the Titanomachy including Menoetius were confined to Tartarus, but Atlas was sent to stand at the edge of Gaia (Earth) and hold up the Heavens on his shoulders. This was Zeus' order so that the pair would not be able to resume their primordial embrace. Both figures are clad only in loin cloths and headbands, both seated with their outermost legs folded beneath and center legs upraised, both looking upward. The youthful Atlas' right arm is raised, perhaps holding up a celestial sphere as ordered by Zeus. Most pleasing, the sculptor of this carved relief panel clearly adopted the appreciation of human anatomy and the high stylistic idioms of the classical world. A breathtaking piece for its rich iconography, stupendous technique, and classical styling. Custom stand. Size: 3.25" L x 17" W x 9.75" H (8.3 cm x 43.2 cm x 24.8 cm); 11.75" H (29.8 cm) on stand.
Provenance: Ex-private New York, New York collection
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.
#113426
- Condition: A section with expected wear, abrasions, and small chips as shown.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
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 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |