Lot 5
  • 5

A Greek Bronze Helmet, circa late 6th Century B.C.

Estimate
50,000 - 80,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • A Greek Bronze Helmet
  • bronze
  • Height 28 cm.
of Corinthian type hammered from a single sheet of bronze, with rounded dome, flaring neck-protector, long pointed cheek-guards, and finely contoured almond-shaped eyes and nose-guard, the rims of the eyes with extended contours in relief at the outer corners, two holes for attachment above each shoulder, the Greek letters theta and iota incised on the right cheek-guard.

Provenance

Alphonse Kann (1870-1948), Saint-Germain-en-Laye, by repute
Mathias Komor, New York
Arthur Cohen and Elaine Lustig Cohen, acquired from the above on May 21st, 1960

Exhibited

“Exhibition of Greek Art”Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, 1942, by repute

Literature

Martin D’Arcy, S.J., Dr. Werner Muensterberger, Edward Sullivan, C.S.B., Persona Grata, an Exhibition of Masks from 1200 B.C. to the Present, exh. cat., University of St. Thomas, Houston, 1960, no. 1, illus.

Condition

Crown restored from several pieces soldered together (as clearly shown on x-rays) and with a bump on top. It is possible that some of these pieces may be ancient. Two crack across neck guard, with somes losses. Crack across proper left eye and forehead. Losses to eyes and edges of cheek-guards as shown. Most of surface inside and out artificially patinated with paint and other materials, from the look of it probably in the first part of the 20th century.
"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

This helmet represents the latest form of the Corinthian helmet type, appearing in the late Archaic period. In the typology by H. Pflug, in: Antike Helme. Sammlung Lipperheide und andere Bestände des Antikenmuseums Berlin, 1988, pp. 87ff., it belongs to the Hermione-group, named after a well-preserved helmet from Hermione in Athens (Pflug, op. cit., p. 91, fig. 32f.).

There were exhibitions entitled “Exhibition of Greek Art, 3000 B.C.-A.D.1938” at the Royal Academy in 1942 and at the Fitzwilliam Museum in 1944. Both catalogue listings include two Corinthian helmets, quite possibly the same in each. In the 1942 catalogue both helmets were lent to the exhibition by Spink & Son, and if one of these is the present helmet, then it seems possible it had originally belonged to Alphonse Kann, who from 1938 was living in England.