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Antiquities & Ancient Art
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- Sale 1188
Live
| Chicago
May 25 | 11:00 AM EDT
Live
| Chicago
Sale 1188
| Chicago
| Chicago
Estimate$100,000 – $150,000
Provenance:
A. Sturzu, Paris, prior to 1970-2016.
P. Chappey, Paris, 2016-2017.
David Ghezelbash Archeologie, Paris, 8 May 2017.
(Art Loss Register no. S00231632)
Minimal and abstract in form, with their function still unknown, Cycladic idols have beguiled scholars and captivated the imagination of modern viewers for the last century. As a group of artworks, they are puzzling, in that they were produced almost exclusively in the craggy Aegean archipelago known as the Cyclades (the source of the Mediterranean’s finest white marble) over a span of about a thousand years, marked by a strong and remarkably uniform aesthetic.
The present head is unusually large and once belonged to an exceptionally slender figure (likely female) of nearly three feet in length. The strikingly elongated shape is punctuated by a precisely carved aquiline nose, which emerges as a ridge from the otherwise featureless face. A somewhat larger example at the Getty (Acc. no. 96.AA.27) is the best parallel in terms of style and technique, preserving brightly painted patterns over the cheeks and forehead. The present example is somewhat more weathered, but enough of the original surface remains that evidence for polychromy can be detected, in the form of so-called paint “ghosts.” Faint traces around almond-shaped eyes were likely painted, and smooth areas at the top of the forehead and the back of the head likely indicate that a fugitive pigment was used for a headdress and hair.
Inspected under 10x loupe and UV light. Ghost marks on proper right cheek, area of eyes, and smoothed top of head continuing onto back. Chips on top of the head. Restoration to parts of nose indicated by fluorescence under UV light. Overall weathered surface with some loss. Some gouges, notably on back side. Dark mark on back may be trace of blue pigment. Rectangular metal-surrounded hole drilled into the bottom to rest on rod of modern stand to which head is not affixed. Height with stand 13 inches (33 cm). Overall in excellent and attractive condition. See additional images.
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.
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Jacob Coley
Senior Vice President, Head of Department, Antiquities and Ancient Art
