Ancient Art & Natural History: A Cabinet of Curiosities

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| Chicago

Lot 79

Lot 79

An Attic White-Ground Lekythos

Status:

Closed

Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000

Estimate$10,000 – $15,000

Status

Closed

An Attic White-Ground Lekythos

Attributed to the Athena Painter, Early 5th Century B.C.

Height 12 5/16 inches (31.3 cm).

Property from a Southern Collector

Provenance:

Charles-René de Paul de Saint-Marceaux (1845-1915), Paris; thence by descent.

Sotheby's, New York, Antiquities, 9 June 2004, Lot 11.

The world’s first beauty pageant was no ordinary contest between mortals. According to Greek mythology, Paris, the Prince of Troy, was to judge which goddess, Athena, Aphrodite, or Hera was the most beautiful by giving them a golden apple. In Homer’s epic poem the Iliad, this event would later set the stage for the Trojan War. Painted here is the messenger god in stride with three female figures. It is likely this scene depicts Hermes escorting the three goddesses to Mount Ida to bathe in a sacred spring before the contest.

For comparative lekythoi by the Athena Painter, see E. Haspels, Attic Black-figured Lekythoi, Paris, 1936, p. 254, nos. 2-3.

Inspected under UV light, 10x loupe and acetone tested. No signs of repair to the body, possible repair to the handle and foot (overpaint lifts with acetone). Possible restoration to a small part of the shoulder. Overall weathered surface with chipping to the rim, loss to glaze/white, and heavy surface abrasions to the back panel. Some areas of overpaint which lift with acetone. Soil or sediment present inside the lekythos. Possible old inventory number written on the bottom of the foot in pencil reading, "BBT." Overall in fine and stable condition for an object of this age.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email antiquities@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Jacob Coley

Senior Vice President, Head of Department, Antiquities and Ancient Art

jacobcoley@freemansauction.com 312 280 1212

Mr. Coley joined the Antiquities department in 2021 after working as Managing Director in the Ancient Art department at Colnaghi, the world’s oldest commercial art gallery, where he helped to establish the Ancient Art department and launched Colnaghi New York in 2017. Prior to Colnaghi, Mr. Coley was in the Greek and Roman Art department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Mr. Coley holds a B.A. from the University of Miami and an M.A. in Art Market from the Fashion Institute of Technology, and he earned an art-appraisal certificate from New York University.

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Ancient Art & Natural History: A Cabinet of Curiosities

An Attic White-Ground Lekythos

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