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Greek Hellenistic Bronze Relief Plaque: Eros & Panther
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Pre AD 1000 item# 595233
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$1675.00
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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:
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Greek Bronze Figurine Votive Model: Minoan/Mycenaean
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Pre AD 1000 item# 987732
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$3,675.00
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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:
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Rare Geometric Greek Bronze Ram Figurine
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Pre AD 1000 item# 694678
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$1275.00
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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:
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Impressive Greek Geometric Bronze Bead Necklace
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Pre AD 1000 item# 958827
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$2,375.00
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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:
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Cute Geometric Greek/Anatolian Votive Bronze Bull
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Pre AD 1000 item# 685120
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$2375.00
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This cute standing bronze bull is complete, and dates circa 750-700 B.C. This piece is approximately 3.5 inches long by 2.25 inches high. This piece is solid and was cast as one complete piece. This scarce piece is probably Greek, as examples of this type have been found at Delphi, Olympia, and Samos. These pieces were votive in nature and this is why they have been found at these sacred Greek sites. (See H.V. Herrmann, Die Kessel der Orientalalisierenden Zeit, Teil I, OlympForsch VI, 1966, no.114. for an analogous example that was found at Olympia.) This piece has a round almond eye and the tail is designed between the hind legs, and these are features that are seen in Greek art during the early Geometric period, circa 8th century B.C. Pieces of this type have been found in Anatolia and northern Syria, and have been found in many locations in the ancient Greek world. This is why pieces of this type are classified as being "Anatolian" and/or "Northern Syrian", but it probably is the case that many of these pieces may also have been made in Greece, and one probable site is Olympia. This period is also known as the "Orientalizing" period of Greek art, as there was extensive trade between Greece and the the Levant (eastern Mediterranean). This piece has a dark green and brown patina with dark green mineral deposits. The design of this piece is also very analogous to another example that is seen in the Munich Glyptothek Museum (See attached photo.) The piece offered here, and the Glyptothek Museum example, are both approximately the same size as well, and both have short cropped horns, incised line design on the flat forehead, and a round almond eye. This scarce piece is not often seen on the market and is from a private Swiss collection. Ex: Leo Mildenberg collection, Zurich. Published:"More Animals in Ancient Art from the Leo Mildenberg Collection" by A.P. Kozloff and D.G. Mitten, Part III, Mainz am Rhein Pub., 1986, no.17. Ex: Christie,s Antiquities, London, Oct. 2004, no.372.
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Philip II Bronze (AE) 18 Coin with Superb Patina
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Pre AD 1000 item# 875428
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$285.00
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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:
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Beautiful Greek Bronze Fluted Kalyx Cup
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Pre AD 1000 item# 633629
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$3,675.00
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This beautiful Greek bronze kalyx cup dates circa 5th-4th century B.C. and is a large example for the type. This piece is intact and is in superb condition, save for two small stress cracks seen on the upper rim which were formed from ground pressures. These stress cracks are also an excellent indication of authenticity, and are an added plus towards the value of the piece. The patina is absolutely gorgeous and is dark green with mixed dark red highlights, and there are spotty mineral deposits which are dark blue and red. The patina seen on this exceptional piece is also very desirable, and is another added plus towards the value of this piece. This piece was hand made from one sheet of bronze and was hammered into shape. This piece was finished with exceptional repousse decoration in the form of a floral pattern, seen centered at the bottom, and this pattern extends up the sides with elongated petals. There is also a hand chased decorative band that runs around the center of the vessel, and this vessel displays several forms of hand worked design which also make this an exceptional example of "classical period" ancient Greek art and workmanship. The shape and decorative elements seen on this piece was derived from the earlier Achaemenid (Persian empire) deep bowl. (For an explanation of the type see D.E. Strong, "Greek and Roman Gold and Silver Plate, London 1966, p.99.) This shape also appears in Attic pottery in the fifth and fourth century B.C., and the Achaemenid influence was felt in Greece well before the conquests of Alexander the Great paved the way to direct contact between Greek art and the East. These types of cups have also been found in silver, with and without the detailed design seen on the vessel offered here. This piece is approximately 4.4 inches in diameter by 3 inches high, is thick walled, and is a large example. The workmanship is also better than what is usually seen, as it has very fine detail, and this piece was probably made for the table of a wealthy individual. This piece was also probably used for formal wine drinking known as symposia. A plexiglas stand is also included. Ex: Private Swiss collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Cute Geometric Greek Bronze Votive Bird
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Pre AD 1000 item# 616487
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$1375.00
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This cute Greek bronze bird dates from the Geometric period, circa 8th-7th century B.C. This piece was cast in the lost wax process and it is solid with no hollow core. This esoteric bird is probably a duck or a goose, as the head has a flat bill, dotted eye, elongated neck, and plump body. The dotted eye feature is a Greek Geometric period convention of art that is seen on many figural objects as well. This piece is votive in nature, as votive pieces such as this were hung as an offering to the gods in sacred oracle sites such as Delphi and Dodona, Greece. This is why there is a suspension loop seen at the top of the piece. Analogous examples have also been found at the Enodia sanctuary at Pherai, Thessaly, and at the Itonia sanctuary at Philia, Thessaly. This solid bronze piece is approximately 2.4 inches long by 1.9 inches high and is complete. This piece has a beautiful dark green patina and it is in superb condition. This piece is mounted with clay on a custom plexiglas/marble stand and can easily be removed. This piece can also stand by itself in the sitting position, which also points to the excellent workmanship of the artist. This complete piece is analogous to the example seen the Leo Mildenberg Collection, "Animals in the Leo Mildenberg Collection", Mainz, Germany, 1981, no. 76. This piece comes with a custom stand and can easily be removed. Ex: Private English collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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Stunning Graeco-Egyptian Bronze Figure of Winged Eros
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Pre AD 1000 item# 985034
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
Price on Request
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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.
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Unique Greek Hellenistic (AE 23mm) Coin with Asklepios
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Pre AD 1000 item# 810315
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Apolonia Ancient Art
303-321-7351 gallery
$1275.00
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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:
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