Lot 7
  • 7

An Etruscan Gold Wreath, circa late 4th/early 3rd Century B.C.

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description

  • An Etruscan Gold Wreath
  • Gold
  • Length 34 cm. 13 3/8 in.
composed of a broad band with rounded ends, the central boss flanked on each side by four overlapping rows of laurel leaves, additional leaves above and below, each leaf bisected by three raised lines, the ends of the wreath each embossed with a large palmette.

Provenance

Münzen und Medaillen, Basel, Kunstwerke der Antike, November 29th, 1958, no. 159, illus.
Swiss Private Collection, acquired at the above sale
by descent to the present owner

Condition

Many leaves bent, misshapen, with fragmentary edges, a few with fragmentary crushed tips. Several seem to be straightened out. Each of semicircular elements appear to be either reattached or reinforced with glue. Otherwise as shown. Secured to old felt stand with pins and wire.
"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 related  examples cf. F. H. Marshall, Catalogue of the Jewellery, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman, in the Departments of Antiquities, British Museum, 1911, nos. 2298-2301, R. D. DePuma, Etruscan Art in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2013, pp. 256-257, 7.11a,b,  M. Cristofani and M. Martelli, L’oro degli Etruschi, 1983  nos. 217-221, 310, and F. Gaultier and C. Metzger, Trésors antiques. Bijoux de la Collection Campana, 2005, nos. 104 and 110.

Such wreaths are normally considered to be for funerary use, but some may have been worn in real life, possibly at great banquets. Tomb paintings show banqueters wearing leafy crowns.