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Lot 26A
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Rare Phrygian Terracotta Plaque Fragments
Rare Phrygian Terracotta Plaque Fragments
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Ancient Near East / East Greek, Anatolia, Turkey, Phrygia, ca. 550 BCE. A rare selection of 4 terracotta wall plaque fragments, each boasting remains of polychrome pigment and low relief artistry - 3 pieces bearing portions of a horse and/or rider, and 1 piece the head of a mythological griffin. The griffin's head is raised with open mouth and protruding tongue, with one pointed ear extending above the brow, and ample remains of red and black pigment that illustrated the face; a conical impression above was used for suspending the larger plaque scene on a wall. The 3 equestrian fragments bear the hind legs of a horse with bent knees and sharp hooves; the rump end of the horse showing block upper thighs and a curvilinear tattoo in red; and the chest, reins, and leaping forelegs of the horse, with the extended leg of a human rider showing the end of a lengthy skirt and a red boot. Size of largest (horse's hind legs): 6.125" W x 4.625" H (15.6 cm x 11.7 cm); 6.3" H (16 cm) on included custom stand.

Phrygia was a kingdom in the west central part of Anatolia, in what is now Turkey, centered around the Sakarya River. The Phrygians are most famous for their legendary kings of the heroic age of Greek mythology: Gordias whose Gordian Knot would later be untied by Alexander the Great, Midas who turned whatever he touched to gold, and Mygdon who warred with the Amazons.

Each fragment in this lot resembles at least part of a very similar example at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), object number 78.62.13

private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection, acquired from licensed dealer in Istanbul 1965

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#177326

    Condition:
  • All are fragments of larger wall plaques. Repair to lower section of largest fragment with chips and light adhesive residue along break lines; remaining 3 fragments are in great condition. Each fragment with chips and abrasions, light fading to pigment, and light earthen deposits, otherwise in great condition. Wonderful preservation to pigment and low relief details on each piece.

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by Artemis Fine Arts
January 30, 2025 8:00 AM MST
686 S. Taylor Ave., #108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000