Hellenistic Bronze Statuette of Hephaestos

Culture: Greek/Apulia

Period: 3rd-2nd century B.C.

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: 6.8 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 2424

Provenance: Collection Hanita and Aaron Dechter acquired prior to 1989. Exhibited in the California State University San Bernardino and California State University Northridge from 5 May to 2 June 1989 and from 26 February to 30 March 1990.

Condition: The fingertips of the left hand missing. Attributes possibly already lost in ancient times, otherwise intact and of wonderful quality.

Description: Small but extremely finely worked out bronze statuette of Hephaestos. The god of fire and blacksmithing, who was responsible for the entire artistic spectrum of metalworking, is depicted seated. The face with a thick, curly beard and fine features. Hephaestus wears a pilos cap, under which the long hair cascades to the nape. His left arm is raised and his right one is on his lap. A hole in the right hand indicates that he once held a hammer. The god, who is often depicted sitting due to his lameness, wears a blacksmith's tunic, which is knotted over his left shoulder. The garment with detailed, very realistic pleats. The statuette sits on an ancient, but probably not belonging, bronze base. Published in: K. Hamma (ed.) “The Dechter Collection of Greek Vases”, San Bernardino 1989, page 83, number 12. On a plexiglass base.