Description:

Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. An impressive bronze figure of a griffin - a mythical beast with the body of a lion and head and wings of an eagle - seated in a noble stance and right foreleg outstretched. Exuding an air of power and virtue, the fantastical creature holds his head staunchly upright, curved beak facing forward as his sweeping wings majestically rise from his shoulders, creating an elegant silhouette. The griffin was a fierce symbol of divine strength. The tradition was long lasting - we know of examples from ancient Iran and Egypt that are from ca. 3000 BCE - and the animal continued to appear in classically-inspired art into the early modern period. According to Graeco-Roman mythology, griffins lived in the Riphaean Mountains of Scythia and guarded rich gold deposits. Size: 1.4" W x 2.3" H (3.6 cm x 5.8 cm)

Cf. Museum of Fine Arts Boston, 67.645 and the Polmont Griffin in National Museums Scotland.

Provenance: private New York, USA Collection

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#176102

  • Condition: Small loss to tip of left wing. Some light surface wear, but otherwise in excellent condition with impressive preservation of detail. Rich patina throughout.

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January 12, 2023 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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