Sale 1325
| Chicago
| Chicago
Estimate$2,000 – $4,000
Provenance:
Joseph Halle Schaffner (1897-1972), Chicago and New York
Elmer "Pete" Schlesinger (1919-1982), Chicago; thence by descent
Note:
Janus, the Roman deity who was god of passage, gates, transitions and doorways as well as the beginning and the end, was usually depicted as having two faces. In the ancient classical world, the likeness of Janus might appear on a herm, a pillar sculpture marking a crossroads for travelers. These pillars were erected for their apotropaic powers.
Inspected under UV light and 10x loupe. Areas of red/orange patination. Soil deposits in crevices including in braids. Surface with overall smooth quality. Some scratches and losses. Some gouges including on one head's cheek and above the other's eye. Top and bottom edges jagged with encrustations that continue onto rear. Fragment rests in wooden stand to which it is not affixed. Overall in fine and attractive condition. See additional images. Width 5 3/16 inches (13.2 cm). Height with stand 7 3/4 inches (19.7 cm).
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European Furniture & Decorative Arts Department
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