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Monumental Ancient Cypriot Limestone Sculpture of a Man
$340,000
£259,153.93
€298,906.92
CA$482,901.66
A$518,928.63
CHF 278,435.32
MX$6,112,662.12
NOK 3,501,015.36
SEK 3,198,154.92
DKK 2,233,912.20
About the Item
This imposing and impressive head of a man would once have been part of a monumental votive statue dedicated in a temple in antiquity. Commissioned by a wealthy patron, it is an icon of Cypriot art during this period, displaying a combination of Near Eastern and Greek influences seen in the almond-shaped eyes and gently-smiling, archaic lips.
Discovered by Luigi Palma di Cesnola (1832-1904) in Cyprus in the 1860s-70s, this piece soon became part of the founding collection of one of the most renowned museums in the world; the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Cesnola’s collection soon became known as the most important and comprehensive collection of Cypriot material in the world, and it is still regarded as such today. But in 1928, the present head was among those controversially deaccessioned from the Museum, and it entered the market.
Its flat back - the head was sculpted in two parts in antiquity - enables it to sit flush against a wall for easy display. It comes with a back panel for wall mounting, but it can also be displayed on its original 19th century base, fashioned by the Metropolitan Museum for its display in the early museum.. Whether wall mounted or on top of a desk, it is a timeless and enigmatic display piece once displayed in one of the greatest museums in the world.
Provenance
Discovered by Luigi Palma di Cesnola (1832-1904) at the sanctuary of Aphrodite at Golgoi, Cyprus, c.1860s-1870s
Collection of Luigi Palma di Cesnola (1832-1904)
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, acquired from above c.1872
Cypriote
Classical Antiquities, Duplicates of the Cesnola
Other Collections, Sold by Order of the Trustees of the Metropolitan Mu- seum of Art, Anderson Galleries, New York, 30–31 March 1928, Lot 370 (ill.)
Allan Frumkin, New York and Chicago, 1960s
Published
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Handbook No, 3, The Stone Sculp- tures, New York, 1904, no.184.
The Anderson Galleries, New York, Cypriote
Classical Antiquities, Duplicates of the Cesnola
Other Collections (Part 1), Sold by order of the Trustees of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1928, Lot 370 (ill.).
Please note that this item is a work of art and is thus exempt from US reciprocal tariffs.
ArtAncient are dealers in rare wonders from the formation of the Solar System to late antiquity, discovering, studying and placing objects in extraordinary collections. Do not hesitate to contact us for more details on this piece.
- Dimensions:Height: 15.75 in (40 cm)Width: 10.63 in (27 cm)Depth: 6.7 in (17 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:c.6-7th century BC
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: 422281stDibs: LU1052248082572
About the Seller
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Associations
LAPADA - The Association of Arts
Antiques DealersInternational Confederation of Art and Antique Dealers
AssociationsThe British Antique Dealers
Association
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: London, United Kingdom
- Return Policy
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