Lot 12
Greece, South Italic colonies, ca. 4th century BCE. An elegant ceramic figure depicting Demeter, the Greek goddess of the harvest, corn, and grain. Although the figure is standing, we are viewing her in motion. Notice the contrasting stance of her legs, the finely delineated draped robes flowing over her raised left knee, and the gentle turn of her head. She holds a small creature, perhaps a bird, in her hands. Indeed various agricultural products, the poppy flower, narcissus, and the crane were thought to be sacred to Demeter. Here, it appears she may be cradling a crane in her hands. Demeter was worshipped as the goddess responsible for the crop, and because of this, the first loaf of bread made from the first harvest was dedicated to her. By extrapolation, she was also associated with the seasons and believed to be the goddess of the earth, agriculture, and fertility. Demeter was also known for founding the Eleusinian Mysteries. These were elaborate festivals that took place every five years. Unfortunately, scholars know little about them as those who attended the Eleusinian Mysteries were sworn to secrecy. This said, most agree that the central theme of these Mysteries was that just as the grain returns every spring following its harvest and the winter hibernatory period, the soul returns after the death of the human body, reincarnated for the next life. The Eleusinian Mysteries were not the only Mysteries of the Greco-Roman world. There were also the Mysteries of Dionysos depicted in a famous fresco just outside Pompeii at Herculaneaum (the so-called Villa of the Mysteries) as well as Mysteries of various imported eastern gods such as Sabazios and Isis. A wonderful figurine impressive for its artistry as well as the many layers of symbolism it conjures. Custom, wood stand. Size: figure itself measures 2.75" W x 8.75" H (7 cm x 22.2 cm); 9.5" (24.1 cm) with stand.
Provenance: Ex-private M. Reniger collection, Chicago, IL.
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#111399
- Condition: Loss to lower end that is beautifully acommodated by the custom stand. Head almost seamlessly reattached to torso.
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| $0 | $299 | $25 |
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| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
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| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |