Superb Large Etruscan Polychrome Antefix of Woman w/ TL

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Exceptional Antiquities, Asian, Ethnographic

By Artemis Gallery

Feb 21, 2019

Set Reminder 2019-02-21 10:00:00 2019-02-21 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities, Asian, Ethnographic https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-asian-ethnographic-3858
An important one-day auction featuring museum-worthy examples of Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Russian, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine Art, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

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• Lot Description
  Classical World, Etruria, central Italy, ca. early 5th century BCE. A mesmerizing figural antefix, molded from terracotta to present a beautiful woman's visage, perhaps representing a maenad, with refined painted features and a diadem painted with a red dotted zigzag motif, followed by a striped head covering, and framed by a shell-shaped nimbus comprised of a repeating tongues interspersed with bosses at their tips - all painted in red, black, and cream hues. The lovely lady presents a pale, almost white complexion with naturalistic features: generously-lidded, almond-shaped eyes with black pupils/irises, arched black brows, an aquiline nose, full closed lips, and veristic facial planes, all framed by a black coiffure that is modeled with wavy locks or curlicues covering her ears. Between the shell and headdress is a striated high relief band that resolves in volutes at the bottom. Size: 10.875" W x 10.25" H (27.6 cm x 26 cm); 15.625" H (39.7 cm) on included custom stand.
  
  Greek and Etruscan edifices typically included roof tiles that ran along the eaves and oftentimes terminated in upright members called antefixes. Such mold-made terracotta antefixes usually took the form of heads, either of humans or mythological creatures. In addition to serving a decorative purpose, these architectural terracottas also covered and protected any exposed wooden sections of the building from the elements. Furthermore, such antefixes were believed to serve an apotropaic function and ward off bad influences. Many were created in the workshops at Caere (Cerveteri) in southern Etruria.
  
  A similar example resides at the J. Paul Getty Museum (object number 75.AD.94) - http://www.getty.edu/art/collection/objects/7263/unknown-maker-antefix-fragment-etruscan-about-490-bc/
  
  This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.
  
  Provenance: ex-private Chicago, Illinois, USA collection; acquired from Bruce and Ingrid McAlpine Ancient Art, London, May 28, 1987
  
  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.
  
  #141810

  Condition

  A section with losses especially to the shell-shaped nimbus on the proper right as shown. Repaired from a few large pieces with some fill at break lines. Minor over-painting in the losses. Normal surface wear with abrasions, minor pigment loss, and chips commensurate with age. This said, much of the detail is still discernible. Areas of mineral deposits across the surface as well.
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