63-64 Margaret St. London, W1W 8SW
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LOT 53:
RARE HELLENISTIC MARBLE BEAR
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Start price:
£
18,000
Estimated price :
£25,000 - £50,000
Buyer's Premium: 25%
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VAT: 20%
On commission only
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RARE HELLENISTIC MARBLE BEAR
Ca. 200 BC.A substantial marble sculpture portraying a seated bear, gracefully leaning on its left arm and positioned atop a flat discoid base, subtly turning its body to the left while lifting its head. The bear's features include an open muzzle, prominent nostrils, and wide-open eyes, with meticulously carved fur detailing that produces small, cascading curls. The significance of the bear in ancient Greek culture often links to the goddess Artemis. Bears were revered as sacred to Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and wild animals. Young girls participating in the Brauronia festival of Attica were knwn as Arktoi or "little bears", possibly engaging in wild coming-of-age rituals before being subsumed into the ideals of Athenian womanhood. Item comes with a professional historical report from Ancient Report Specialists. Size: 650mm x 370mm; Weight: 100+kg Provenance: Property of a London gentleman; Ex. French collection, Paris, Parisian Gallery, 1970-90. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.
