Multiple Published Bronze Mask of a Silenus

Culture: Greek

Period: Early 5th century B.C.

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: 10.6 cm x 10.4 cm

Price: 16 000 Euro

Ref: 2423

Provenance: Private collection Norbert Schimmel (1905-1990), acquired prior to 1964 in New York. Thence Sotheby's New York "Important Antiquities from the Norbert Schimmel Collection" on 16 December 1992, lot 48. From there acquired by Herbert A. Cahn, Basel. From there acquired by the collection Donald Vollen, Basel in 1993. With Christie's London on 6 December 2017, lot 41. Last in a US private collection.

Condition: Intact

Description: Large and multiple published bronze mask of a Silenus. The magnificent applique, which once adorned a monumental situla from the Greek classical period, shows the expressive face of a bearded man. The beard is long and round, the strands are finely modeled. The long mustache hangs down from the mouth, swinging. Silenus has full lips with a point-shaped philtrum. The nose is bulbous, the bulging eyebrows frame the almond-shaped eyes, which look out from thick lids. The ears are indicated in relief in front of the distinctive rotelles. The hair is carved into the forehead in cold work. The three original pins with which the mask was attached are still preserved. Published in: H. Hoffman “The Beauty of Ancient Art, the Norbert Schimmel Collection”, Mainz 1964, number 16. O. Muscarella (editor) “Ancient Art, the Norbert Schimmel Collection”, Mainz 1974, number 31. J. Settgast "Von Troja bis Amarna, die Sammlung Norbert Schimmel", Mainz 1978, number 35.