Rare and Important Etruscan Antefix of a Kore

Culture: Etruscan

Period: 2nd half of 6th century B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 51 cm high

Price: 68 000 Euro

Ref: 4209

Provenance: Private collection Carl Otto Tièche (1899-1989), Nidau, Switzerland, acquired prior to 1979. In the same year by descent to his nephew Robert Tièche, Kappel, Switzerland. In 2012 handed over by the latter to the Galleria Serodine in Ascona, Switzerland. There sold on 8 August 2012 to Dr Fred and Sylvia Legrain, Wabern, Switzerland. Thence in a family estate. With a copy of the invoice from Galleria Serodine and a provenance confirmation by Robert Tièche of 2012. With a TL test confirming the age.

Condition: Professionally reassembled from two pieces with retouching over the breaking areas. Right hand missing. Otherwise very beautifully preserved.

Description: Magnificent archaic antefix of a kore in an ornate gown. The statue is worked out to her knees and stands on the original plinth, which is decorated with meanders on the outside. The kore wears a red, figure-hugging gown which cascades over her thighs in fine pleats. She has thrown a cape with a brown hem over her right shoulder, which covers the right breast. With the left hand she holds a tip of the cape to hip level in the style of a Greek kore. The right arm is raised, the hand missing. The kore has a roundish head with friendly, almond-shaped eyes, crowned by finely curved brows and a straight, pointy nose. The mouth is closed, the red, full lips are formed to the typical smile. On the cheeks she has red beauty spots. The black, wavy hair frames the face, in the front four long strands cascade over her shoulders to far below the round breasts. Above the forehead a towering stephane with wavy band and red dots. The back of the head is covered with a veil. Complete antefixes like the present one are extremely rare. See for the typus the very similar kore in the Fordham Museum of Greek, Etruscan and Roman Art, Bronx, New York. Mounted on a high-quality granite base. With a TL test.