Lot 3
Greece, Hellenistic period, ca. 1st century BCE. A spectacular leaded bronze figurine of King Lycurgus depicted nude save for a Phrygian cap and soft ankle boots. Dramatically striding forward, he throws back his bearded head, his muscular torso twisting to rip out two large vine creepers, both entwined with ivy as they extend up his back and across his arms. In Greek mythology, Lycurgus, the king of the Edones in Thrace, forbade the worship of Dionysus. The myth has several variations, with later poets adding to Homer's original account. One version describes how Dionysus inflicted madness upon Lycurgus as punishment. In his deranged state, Lycurgus killed his own son, mistaking him for ivy that needed trimming. As a consequence, Dionysus cursed the land of Thrace, leaving it dry and infertile until the king's death. To lift the curse, the Edonians brought Lycurgus to Mount Pangaeum, where wild horses tore him apart. Size: 2.1" L x 1.5" W x 2.875" H (5.3 cm x 3.8 cm x 7.3 cm); 4.75" H (12.1 cm) on included custom stand.
Published: J. Eisenberg, "Art of the Ancient World," vol. XXVI (2015), no. 19.
Provenance: ex-Royal Athena Galleries, New York City, New York, USA; ex-Bonham's London, April 27, 2006, lot 123; ex-private Swiss collection, acquired in the UK in 1984
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#190837
- Condition: Feet and left arm have been professionally repaired and restored. Small area of loss to ivy vine, as well as some age-commensurate nicks and abrasions. Otherwise, nice presentation with liberal remaining detail, nice form, and light patina and encrustations throughout. Removable from custom stand.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |