Elegant Etruscan Bronze Oinochoe w/ Wolf Head Handle

About Auction

Live

Exceptional Antiquities Ethnographic Fine Art...

By Artemis Gallery

Mar 24, 2022

Set Reminder 2022-03-24 10:00:00 2022-03-24 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities Ethnographic Fine Art https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-ethnographic-fine-art-9057
Museum-worthy examples of classical antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Viking, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine / Visual Arts, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

View Full Catalog (416)

• Lot Description
  Classical World, Etruria, ca. 6th to 5th century CE. A stunning bronze oinochoe, cast in ancient Etruria yet boasting a minimalist form and simplicity of line that is immensely appealing to the modern eye. Sitting upon a planar base, the remarkable vessel presents a bulbous body, a sloped shoulder, a gently corseted neck, and a flared rim with a rolled periphery. A slender, ribbon-form handle gracefully rises from the rim to a high arch and then runs down the body of the vessel, thickening in size and terminating at the base in the head of a canine, likely a wolf, with a pointed snout, perky ears, a slender mouth, and neatly incised fur. Time has added an emerald patina that lends the vase a new visual dimension, transforming what was once a functional object into a work of art. Size: 4.5" Diameter x 6.4" H (11.4 cm x 16.3 cm)
  
  The wolf head decoration immediately reminds us of the story of Romulus and Remus, legendary founders of Rome supposedly suckled by a she-wolf. Although the Capitoline Wolf, a famous depiction of this foundation myth, has since been disproven to be Etruscan (it seems more likely that it is medieval), we know that the Lupa capitolina, the seal of Rome, came from Etruscan wolf mythology. The animal seems to have functioned in the Etruscan religion as a psychopomp, a guide to the world of the dead.
  
  Provenance: Barakat Gallery, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired before 2000
  
  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.
  
  PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
  
  Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
  
  #170555

  Condition

  Expected abrasions commensurate with age and use. Minor chip to proper right ear of wolf head, as well as resurfacing to eyes, ears, and nose for emphasis of features. Light softening of incised detail on wolf head. Remains of modern adhesive to base, likely from display. Otherwise, intact and excellent with rich patina and lovely encrustations throughout.
• Shipping Info

  • All shipping is handled in-house for your convenience. Your invoice from Artemis Gallery will include shipping calculation instructions. If in doubt, please inquire BEFORE bidding for estimated shipping costs for individual items.

• Buyer's Premium
  • 26.50 %