5th century BC and later. A gold statuette comprising: a cylindrical base with repoussé design, stamped border and frieze with hunting scene of seated lion, grazing deer, lion and horse, two delicately formed feet in repoussé to the upper surface; with a later(?) gold figure wearing a long robe with folded lapels, layered to the back, shoulder-length hair with headband, archaic-style smiling face with simple features; right hand holding a small vessel, left hand extended to touch it; mounted on a custom-made stand and accompanied with a custom-made box. KunstKammer, One Hundred Treasures from the Ancient World, Martin Doustar, 2017, p.44, no.20; accompanied by a copy of the relevant catalogue pages. 700 grams total, statue: 27.4 grams, 93mm (3 1/2"). Property of a Brussels gentleman; previously in an old Japanese collection, 1960s. Apollo has been variously recognised as the god of music, truth and prophecy, healing, the sun and light, plague, poetry, and more. He is known in Greek-influenced Etruscan mythology as Apulu. The most famous temple dedicated to Apollo was built in the rich city of Veii in the late 6th century before Christ, and indicates the spread of Apollo’s cult in Etruria.
Condition
Very fine condition, some restoration.