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Ancient Greek Trophy Armour with Original Inscription
$34,000
£25,679.08
€29,663.33
CA$47,901.16
A$51,302.16
CHF 27,579.69
MX$623,094.69
NOK 348,482.78
SEK 319,061.90
DKK 221,639.29
About the Item
This ancient Greek greave - or shin pad - transformed into a trophy of war through its inscription, is an enigmatic and iconic display piece. Finely made to protect the left shin, the central crease marks the tibia, while the stylised indentation on the proper right signifies the musculature anatomy of the wearer. Once a crucial piece of a hoplite’s panoply, it would have been worn into battle alongside the cuirass and helmet in the 5th-6th centuries BC.
Taken from the battlefield by the victor to a sanctuary, it was then dedicated to the Gods in thanks for victory. The square-shaped hole from where it was nailed to a rafter in dedication to the gods still survives. Its inscription confirms this; translating as, ‘I am sacred to the god.’ There it would have remained on proud display, perhaps for decades, before being laid to rest. Despite being a profound act of thanksgiving in antiquity, inscribed dedications rarely survive, and the present trophy is one of approximately 18 inscribed greaves known to exist.
With a sleek, bronze mount, it is a rare and enigmatic object, symbolic of warrior culture in a pivotal era in Western civilisation.
Provenance:
Collection of Axel Guttmann (1944-2001), Berlin.
Hermann Historica, Auction 60, Antiquities including pieces from the Axel Guttmann Collection, 13 October 2010, Lot 2169 (part)
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: 33.47 in (85 cm)Width: 9.85 in (25 cm)Depth: 17.72 in (45 cm)
- Style:Minimalist (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:c.5-6th century BC
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: 428551stDibs: LU1052248083112
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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