- 5
An Etruscan Alabaster Cinerary Urn and Lid, circa 2nd century B.C.
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- An Etruscan Alabaster Cinerary Urn and Lid
- Alabaster
- Total Height 27 by 19 by 9 cm. 10 5/8 by 7 1/2 by 3 9/16 in.
decorated in relief in front with two festoons hanging from the capitals of three fluted pilasters, a gorgoneion in each lunette, the lid in the form of a male figure reclining on a tasseled cushion and holding a patera in his right hand, and wearing a tunic and garment drawn as a veil over his head; no restorations.
Provenance
probably Friedrich Wilhelm Kronprinz von Preussen (1882-1951)
Wilhelm Prinz von Preussen (1906-1940) and Dorothea Prinzessin vonPreussen, born Salviati (1907-1972), Bonn, probably a gift from the above to the latter prior to 1950
by direct descent to the present owner
Wilhelm Prinz von Preussen (1906-1940) and Dorothea Prinzessin vonPreussen, born Salviati (1907-1972), Bonn, probably a gift from the above to the latter prior to 1950
by direct descent to the present owner
Condition
Both urn and lid repaired from several fragments in a rather amateurish manner, with no attempt made at concealing the break lines with fill and paint. Note areas of abrasion on the beading along bottom edge, and of pitting on far right pilaster. On the figure the nose is chipped, lower part of the face abraded, proper right side of head towards the back fragmentary, right arm and implement abraded and worn. Old chocolate brown patina, the result of at least a century of handling by many hands, and exposure to the atmosphere.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
For a similar decorative scheme on a larger urn made of tufa and probably from Volterra, see G. Körte and H. von Brunn, eds., I rilievi delle urne etrusche, vol. III, 1916, p. 203, pl. CXXXVIII,2.