Lot 907

Description

Three similarly designed and matching flat feet of an implement. On the reverse, at the level of the wings, each with a ridged triangular support bearing a standing surface at the top that approximates the outline of an equilateral triangle. The flat sections of the feet approximately 3 mm thick. The lower ends fully modelled as lion's paws, the upper parts in half-relief as busts of sirens. Above the lion's paws, a seven-leafed palmette incised on each, within the lozenge-shaped lower section of the feet, which are there drawn out angularly on both sides. Above this, the feet continue with parallel, straight sides. This section separated from the siren bust above by two horizontally running incised lines. The inwardly rolled wings separated from the upper body by an outwardly swinging ledge, which merges into a raised ridge at the upper edge of the wings. The slightly recessed plumage rendered by rows of tongue-shaped incisions. Two flat cones between the wings form the breasts. Above, on a long, broad neck, the finely worked face of the sirens with the characteristic “archaic smile”. Above the forehead curls a polos, flanked on either side by long, curly tresses falling onto the shoulders. Fine, dark brown Patina. Length 12.4 cm, 12.6 cm and 12.8 cm. A similarly shaped bronze foot comes from the finds at Olympia. Similarly designed supporting feet have also been found at the sanctuary of Hera Lacinia on the Capo Colonna near the Greek colony of Kroton in Magna Graecia. Three charming examples of archaic art of exquisite quality. CULTURAL ASSET!

Provenance: Private collection in Berlin. Acquired in 2009 from Gorny & Mosch, Auction 179, Lot 9. Previously in a private English collection.

Condition: I - Questions about the lot?