 | Apolonia Ancient Art |
|
Home
|
Rare Geometric Greek Bronze Ram Figurine
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 694678
|
click for details
|
Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$1275.00
|
This rare Greek bronze ram dates from the Geometric period, circa 750 B.C. This charming piece is intact and is approximately 1.75 inches high by 1.7 inches long. This piece has a nice dark green patina and has spotty light brown/white mineral deposits. This piece is a standing ram, which is a much rarer type than the more often seen standing horse types for the period. The ram for the ancient Greeks represented vitality and wealth, was a favourite sacrificial animal, and was often associated with Hermes, patron deity of shepherds, travellers, and tradesmen. This association with Hermes is a strong indicator that this piece was probably a votive offering in some Greek sanctuary. (For an analogous designed piece see "More Animals in Ancient Art From the Leo Mildenberg Collection", by Kozloff, Arielle and Mitten, David Gordon, Verlag Philipp Von Zabern pub., Mainz, Germany 1986, no.53. The example noted here also has an extended tail, tapered body, and square shoulders as the piece offered here. For another example, see "Art of the Ancient World", Vol. XII, 2001, no. 52. Said to be from Thessaly, circa 8th century B.C., 2 inches long. Listed at $4,750.00. Ex: Spencer Churchill collection. ) The complete piece offered here was cast as one solid piece, as were the other two examples noted above, and was made to stand by itself which it does. This piece is mounted on a custom stand and can easily be removed. Ex: Private English collection. Ex: New York private collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
|
|
Impressive Greek Geometric Bronze Bead Necklace
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 958827
|
click for details
|
Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$2,375.00
|
This impressive piece is a Greek bronze bead necklace, and this necklace is comprised of solid cast bronze beads that date to the Geometric period circa 750-700 B.C. This necklace is made from 13 beads which together measure approximately 17.75 inches end-to-end. All of the bronze beads are conical in design, and seven of the larger beads have a raised terminal end. The largest central bead has double-raised ridge terminal ends, and this bead is approximately 2.75 inches long. The other six largest beads measure approximately 1.5, 2, 2.4, 2.3, 1.75, and 1.25 inches long. The smaller six beads are approximately .5 to .75 inches long. These beads have an attractive dark green patina, and are all in superb condition. These beads are strung on a leather cord, and can be worn as is, or can easily be separately mounted into several different works of jewelry. The weights of the beads vary widely, and the central bead weighs approximately 29.4 gms. The other six larger beads weigh approximately 15.5, 33.5, 59.8, 30.7, 29.5, and 12.1 gms. These beads were separately hand cast, and they are all slightly different in size and weight. Two of the larger beads also have a hole from the central shaft, which probably allowed for the addition of pendants and/or other beads which hung down from these two beads. These beads were likely worn in life, as well as being votive, and are now scarce in the market. As a group, these pieces have a high degree of eye appeal and display very well. Ex: Private New York collection. I certify that these pieces are authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
|
|
Powerful Hellenistic Greek Bronze Ring with Herakles
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 1086730
|
click for details
|
Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$2,875.00
|
This piece is a very powerful example of a superb Hellenistic Greek bronze ring, which shows Herakles wrestling the Nemean lion. This piece dates circa mid to late 4th century B.C., and is approximately ring size 8 to 8.5. This piece is a seal ring, and was likely worn by a young man. The condition of this bronze seal ring is superb, as there are no cracks and/or chips, and the engraved composition is very sharp with a deep relief. The inside surface is also smooth to the touch, and this condition factor is what connoisseurs of this type of piece treasure, as this shows this ring was worn in antiquity. In addition, this piece has a lovely even dark green patina. The engraving is very detailed, and the impression from the seal has very high relief. The head of the standing Herakles is a Greek late classical period type, which is very analogous to the young Apollo heads seen on the gold coinage of Philip II, circa 345-310 B.C. (See the attached photo of a gold stater of Philip II, which shows a young Apollo head on the obverse.) This ring may also have been made by a celator (engraver) of Greek coinage, given the fine artistic style of the composition and the placement of the engraved figures on the bezel of the ring. The standing muscular Herakles is seen strangling the Nemean lion, and the lion is seen leaping into the mid-torso of Herakles who has an arm lock around the neck of the lion. The arm lock of Herakles over the lion's neck is centered on the flat, oval bezel, and the tail of the lion is seen framing the composition on the outer lower edge of the scene, along with the club of Herakles that is seen behind the standing figure of Herakles. This "framed composition" is also a common feature of the ancient Greek coin celators in the classical and Hellenistic periods. In Greek myth, Herakles strangles the Nemean lion with his bare hands, rather than using his club, and this is his sign of his true strength. This Greek bronze seal ring was obviously worn by a man of high social standing, and is a rare example of this quality. This ring is one of the finest examples that I have seen on the market, and compares with it's exceptional and contemporary gold and silver examples. (For the type, see J. Spier, "Ancient Gems and Finger Rings", Malibu, 1992, no. 85.) A custom ring stand is included. Ex: Private New York collection. Ex: Fortuna Fine Arts, New York. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
|
|
Unique Greek Hellenistic (AE 23mm) Coin with Asklepios
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 810315
|
click for details
|
Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
Sold
|
This mint state ancient Greek coin was minted in the Hellenistic period, and was minted in Pergamon circa 300-200 B.C. Pergamon became important under Alexander the Great, and later became the capital of the Attalid dynasty founded by Philetairos, which ranked as one of the great cultural centers of the ancient Greek world. The obverse shows the bearded bust of Asklepios, and the reverse, shows a standing Muse with a three-stringed lyre behind, and the Greek lettering meaning "Per-gamon" at the front and behind. The Muses were originally considered to be three in number: Melete ("Practice"), Mneme ("Memory"), and Aoede ("Song"). At Delphi, the Muses were named after the three strings of the early ancient Greek lyre: Bottom ("Nete"), Middle ("Mese"), and Top ("Hypate"). Hesiod, however, has ascribed the Muses to the traditional number of nine, and had allotted each of them a name. This remarkable coin has a wonderful Hellenistc portrait of Asklepios, and is in mint state ("as struck") condition which is rare for a Greek bronze issue. This coin is approximately 23mm in diameter and 6.3 gms, and has an exceptional glossy dark green patina. This piece is also extremely rare, if not unique, and is not listed in "Greek Coins and Their Values" by David Sear, Seaby Pub., London, 1979. This coin is not seen on the market, and is not only an extremely rare type, but is also an exceptional Hellenistic Greek work of art. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
|
|
Greek Geometric Period Bronze Spiral Torque
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 943469
|
click for details
|
Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$925.00
|
This solid piece is a nice Greek bronze torque that dates to the Geometric Period, circa 1000-800 B.C., and this type of piece has been found in central Europe and the Balkins. This piece is approximately 5.2 inches in diameter at its widest point, and has a nice dark green patina with some spotty dark green deposits. This piece was also able to flex, so that the wearer could easily slip the piece onto the neck, and this was also made easier due to the curved and rounded terminal ends that curve back away from the center. This piece has four sides from the terminal ends, and then graduates into a round, twisted spiral through the main body of the piece. In addition, this piece has an uniform diameter and this piece took a great deal of metallurgical skill to produce, due to the reasons noted above, and is a scarce piece in this superb condition. This piece was probably made for a young man or a woman, given the diameter of the piece, and was probably worn in life as well as serving as a votive grave offering. This piece can be worn today and is one of the best examples, as it is in superb condition with no cracks and/or repair, and has an exceptional patina. (Another example of this type and quality was offered at Bonhams Antiquities, London, April 2009, no. 288, 1,500-2,000 pound estimates.) Ex: Bonhams Antiquities, London, Dec. 1996, no. 45. Ex: Private New York collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
|
|
Greek Hellenistic Bronze Relief Plaque: Eros & Panther
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 595233
|
click for details
|
Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$1675.00
|
This Greek bronze plaque dates to the Hellenistic period, circa 2nd-1st century B.C. This piece is approximately 4.5 inches long by 3.25 inches high and has extremely high relief that is approximately 1.3 inches. This piece is an Eros that is seen pulling a rope around the neck of a panther. The panther is seen facing the viewer and the body of Eros is twisted towards the viewer as well. The scene is framed by Greek palmettes and scrolls. This applique probably was part of a bronze hydria or a bronze vessel of some type. The panther was sacred to Dionysus and the Eros seen here may be a representation of Dionysus as well. This piece has a dark green patina with spotty red highlights. This piece is complete and has no breaks and is mounted on a custom metal stand. Ex: Royal-Athena Galleries, New York, New York. Published in Gods and Mortals 1989, no.13. ($3750.00 fixed price list.) Ex: New York private collection. (Additional documentation is available to the purchaser.) I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
|
|
Greek Bronze Figurine Votive Model, Minoan/Mycenaean
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 987732
|
click for details
|
Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$3,675.00
|
This extremely rare piece is a model that consists of five bronze figurines. These figurines are votive in nature, and are likely attributed to the Minoan/Mycenaean culture, and date circa LH III, 1400-1100 B.C. The five figurines are approximately 3.5, 3.4, 3.35, 2.0, and 1.75 inches high. The figurines all have a nice light to dark green patina, and there are spotty light brown deposits which are more prevalent on the inside surfaces of the figurines. The figurines are intact, save for the figurine that is approximately 2.0 inches high, which has a missing arm and a crack in the torso. In addition, the largest figurine which is approximately 3.5 inches high, was broken in half and was subsequently repaired with the break being visable. This break in the largest figurine may have been intentional as well, and could have been ceremoniously broken when these figurines were offered as a votive offering. These extremely rare figurines may have been a grave offering, and/or could have been an offering that depicted significant rituals that were associated with rites of passage that involved the dead. This theory was developed by Daniela Lefevre-Novaro, and her theory was supported by the figural terracotta models that were found in the Minoan Kamilari burial complex in Kamilari, Crete. These figural models can now be seen in the Herakleion Archaeological Museum, and date circa LM 1A, 1600-1500 B.C. (See "Coming of Age in Ancient Greece" by Jenifer Neils and John Oakley, Yale University Press, 2003, pp. 40-43. See the attached photo of one of these models.) The five extremely rare bronze figurines offered here are likely three adults and two children, and may represent a family. The arms of all of the figures are seen extended up into the air, and this is an ancient Greek sign of mourning a death, which is often depicted on art from the Greek Late Bronze Age, circa 13th century B.C., and it is therefore logical to assume that the family of figurines seen here may all be mourning a family member. (For two examples of art from the Greek Late Bronze Age that depict images of individuals with raised arms in mourning, see the two larnakes from Tanagra, Greece, which are terracotta chests used as coffins. These pieces can be seen in the Thebes Archaeological Museum, and date circa LH IIIB, 1300-1200 B.C. See attached photos.) The raised arms may also depict and/or represent bull's horns, and these extremely rare pieces may also have served as another type of sacred offering as well, and the exact symbolic representation of these pieces is unknown. What is known, is that these votive pieces represent a culture that made many grave offerings that were grouped together in shrines that were, in many cases, found outside of graves or nearby. The largest bronze figurines have incised line design just above their flared bases, and on the upper torso. This linear artistic incised line design is also seen on many examples of early Greek art from the Late Bronze Age, circa 1300 B.C., down to the Geometric Period, circa 750 B.C. These figurines are also hollow, and have a round hole that is seen where the neck/head may have been attached to the upper torso. The neck/head could have been made from wood, or some other perishable material, and was attached into these holes with a dowel. The majority of these early Greek models are made from terracotta, rather than bronze, and this is another reason why these exceptional figurines are extremely rare. A custom wooden and plexiglas stand is included, and the figurines have a wooden dowel that holds them in place on the stand. These figurines can also be easily removed, as they simply lift off of the stand. Ex: Private German collection. (Additional documentation is available to the purchaser.) I certify that these pieces are authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
|
|
Stunning Graeco-Egyptian Bronze Figure of Winged Eros
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 985034
|
click for details
|
Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
Price on Request.
|
This stunning bronze figurine is a standing winged representation of Eros, the Greco-Roman god of love. This piece dates circa 1st century B.C., and was likely produced by a Greek artist in Alexandria, Egypt. This piece is approximately 6.5 inches high and stands by itself, such is the exceptional workmanship of this piece. There is also great detail seen on this piece within the wings and braided hair. The patina is as exceptional as the workmanship, and there are dark green, red, and light brown highlights. The surface of this piece was highly polished in antiquity, and this was common relative to Greek Hellenistic bronzes that were produced in Alexandria. One can still see the glossy surface of this piece, and this piece is intact, save for the lower arms and the top of the left wing that is missing. The body of this piece has a slight twist to the torso, an effeminate slim nude body, and one leg extended forward which are all additional attributes of Greek Hellenistic cannons of art, and all of these attributes all come together to emphasize the erotic nature of the Greek god of love, Eros. The erotic design of this piece also places a focus on the petite penis, which appealed to a homosexually inclined society in the late Hellenistic period. The greatest Greek artists produced masterworks of art that fell into this catagory, and this applied especially to Praxiteles, who produced the bronze Apollo Sauroktonos ("Lizard Slayer"), whose slim nude standing body has an analogous look to the piece offered here. (See "Greek Sculpture" by Andrew Stewart, Yale University Press, Vol. I and II, 1990, p. 178-179.) The piece offered here also has a rounded young baby face, and braided hair that is tied in a top-knot. This top-knot likely represents a crown of Isis, and is an Egyptian convention of art. Hellenistic bronzes produced in Alexandria, in many cases, had attributes that repreaented a combination of Gods that were Greek, Roman, and Egyptian. The top-knot seen on this stunning piece is a subtle example of this duality of representation. The piece offered here was likely in a private shrine, as Eros amoung the ancients was worshipped with the same solemnity as his mother Venus, and his influence extended over the heavens, the sea, and the earth, and even the empire of the dead; his divinity was universally acknowledged, and vows, prayers, and sacrifices were daily offered to him. This piece is also from the famed Maurice Nahman collection (1868-1948), who was a dealer who lived in Cairo for many years, and had at least half a century of daily contact with Egyptian antiquities, which resulted in Nahman acquiring virtually unparalleled experience in this subject. This piece stands on a custom plexiglas stand, and the piece and the stand together is approximately 10 inches high. Ex: Maurice Nahman collection.(1868-1948). Ex: Christie's Antiquities, London, April 2004, no. 282.
|
|
Philip II Bronze (AE) 18 Coin with Superb Patina
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 875428
|
click for details
|
Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$285.00
|
This Greek bronze coin is classified as an AE 18, and was minted by Philip II circa 359-336 B.C. The classification as an AE 18, derives from the average diameter of this type of coin which is approximately 18mm in diameter. The obverse displays the bust of Apollo seen facing the the left, and the reverse, shows a naked youth on a running horse that is facing right. The reverese has the name of Philip above and below, is a monogram which may be a mint control mark. This piece has a lustrous superb dark green patina that is much better than other examples of this type, and has a Very Fine Plus grade. See David Sear, "Greek Coins and Their Values, Vol. II", Seaby Pub., London, 1979, no. 6698 for the type. Ex: Private CA. collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
|
|
Huge Greek Bronze Bowl with Superb Patina
Catalogue:
Antiques:
Regional Art:
Ancient World:
Greek:
Bronze:
Pre AD 1000 item# 994533
|
click for details
|
Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$5,800.00
|
This piece is an extremely large Greek bronze bowl that dates circa 5th-4th century B.C. This piece is approximately 13.2 inches in diameter by 4.2 inches high, and has a superb dark green patina with light green and blue hues. This piece is intact and has no repair/restoration, and is in mint "as found" condition. This piece has two concentric circles that run around the main body of the vessel, and three concentric circles are seen within the raised base ring. These concentric circles are often seen on ancient Greek vessels that date from the 5th to the 4th century B.C. The metal is very think on this piece, and this piece does have some noticable weight to it, and is somewhat heavy as it is approximately 4.8 pounds. This piece has a thick rounded rim, and this allows one to easily lift this piece with a solid grip. There are also no handles attached to the main body, and there is no indication that there were handles that were ever attached to this piece. This type of large vessel with no handles was made to hold wine and/or water for the table or bath, and was often placed on a raised stand. (For this type of vessel, see "Vergina, The Royal Tombs" by Manolis Andronicos, Ekdotike Athenon Pub., Athens, 1984.) This vessel may also have been made for heated water, and may have been used to cool the heated water for the bath, given the thickness of the metal. This piece is rare in this size and is a beautiful example with a high degree of eye appeal. Ex: Mathias Komor collection, New York. Ex: Private New York collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
|
|
|
|
|
member, TROCADERO
© 1998-2012 All Rights Reserved