Lot 16
High-quality and deceptively similar copy of a pair of exceptionally large and exquisite Greek gold earrings, late 19th to early 20th century, based on models from the second half of the 4th century B.C.
Works of Art, Antiquities & Ancient Art | A106kua | Live auction | 604 Lots
Description
Two identical, magnificent copies based on the model of late classical gold earrings. The composition of the individual elements follows similar pairs of earrings by Greek masters from the Scythian kurgan of Kul Oba (Crimea), as well as another example from Trebizond (?), probably also from the Black Sea region. Individual elements of the decoration can be found in a similar design on numerous earrings from Taranto. At the top is a 2.9 cm wide disc with rich filigree and granulation decoration. The central rosette has four superimposed rows of petals, surrounded by wire tendrils with six four-petalled flowers. This central composition is enclosed in a filigree circle: two rows of twisted wire pairs, enclosed on the inside and outside by smooth wire. These are surrounded by two circles of granules. A wreath of raised triangles made of granules on the edge of the rim. On the back a device for wearing is fixed, made of ribbon, which is produced by soldering a pair of two twisted wires together. One end is hammered into an eyelet, the other into a round wire that is looped through the eyelet. Suspended below, from two eyelets soldered to the disc, is a fully sculpted, tubular pelta made of gold sheet metal. This was originally curved on both sides. The smooth reverse side of both pieces is dented. The front side is in excellent condition and richly granulated across the entire surface: beneath three semicircular lines made of twisted sheet metal and two rows of granules, there are rows of diamonds consisting of four granules. The outer edge of the pelta is bordered by thirteen flowers, mostly consisting of two rows of petals placed one above the other. In the central recess of the pelta at the bottom is a vertically oriented flower, above it a horizontally oriented flower. Both have two rows of leaves superimposed on each other. On the back of the outer flower wreath is a row of soldered rings from which hang short foxtail chains, to which pendants with eyelets are attached at the bottom. Five vase-shaped pendants and four drop-shaped pendants made of gold sheet metal are attached in the spaces between them. The vase-shaped pendants are each attached with two foxtail chains, the lower ends of which are covered with a flower. The teardrop-shaped pendants are each attached with only one chain, the bottom of which is covered with a disc with a circular eye made of round wires. The pendants are slightly dented. The earrings, however, overall in excellent condition, visually appealing and impressive. Complex and extremely attractive goldsmith work. Height 10 cm. Width approx. 4 cm. Weight 27.45 g and 27.16 g. An examination of the alloy using X-ray fluorescence analysis yielded the following results, among others: The gold alloy is too pure for an antique alloy. A modern solder containing cadmium was used in the granulation process. The imitations, which can already be considered ‘antiques’ in their own right, demonstrate a precise knowledge of original late classical earrings in both stylistic and technical terms and are brilliantly executed.Provenance: Hamburger Privatbesitz M. S. (nachgelassen), übernommen aus der Sammlung des Vaters G. S., der eine umfassende Kunstsammlung, darunter viele archäologische Objekte in den 90er Jahren und zu Beginn dieses Jahrtausends zusammengetragen hat. Der Großteil der Objekte wurde im Süddeutschen Kunsthandel erworben.
Condition: I - Questions about the lot?
