A Greek Gold Diadem, 1st Half of the 4th Century B.C.

composed of a slender rectangular band ornamented with applied double and triple rosettes decorated with beaded filigree, smaller rosettes above and below, and alternating with double lotuses with small rosettes between them, the terminals each in the shape of a palmette with filigree quatrefoils with double spiral stems.

Harcourt Johnstone (1895-1945), acquired prior to 1940
D.L. Davis, England, 1946
Münzen und Medaillen AG., Basel, Auktion XVIII, October 29th, 1958, no. 154, illus.
Pino Donati, Lugano, 1958
Antonetto Collection, Switzerland, until 2011

"Exhibition of Greek Art," Edinburgh, 1943
"Exhibition of Greek Art," Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, 1944
"Exhibition of Greek Art, 3000 B.C. - A.D. 1945," Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, 1946

J. Chittenden and C. Seltman, Royal Academy of Arts, Exhibition of Greek Art, 3000 B.C. - A.D. 1945, London, 1946, no. 292

One rosette missing altogether at one one end next to clasp, one missing upper tier. Six double-lotus spacers missing as well. A little less than half of the secondary smaller rosettes preserved (29 out of the original 66). Raised repoussé decoration on remaining double-lotuses is damaged in every instance to a different degree, and in one case altogether missing. Several of the diadem's surviving elements are slighty bent out of shape, displaced, or fragmentary. Despite the losses the object still has great visual appeal.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

For related necklaces cf. F.H. Marshall, Catalogue of the Jewellery, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman, in the Departments of Antiquities, British Museum, Oxford, 1911, nos. 1951-2, and S.G. Miller, Two Groups of Thessalian Gold, Berkeley, California, 1979, pp. 10f., pl. 4a-f.