Arms at his sides, wearing what is very likely a helmet or cap of priestly office, this fellow raises his eyes heavenward, beseeching a favor of the gods. What does he ask  More »

Arms at his sides, wearing what is very likely a helmet or cap of priestly office, this fellow raises his eyes heavenward, beseeching a favor of the gods. What does he ask for in his prayers? Does he wish a universal favor for all mankind or for something more personal? Though his details are few, his dignity and proud bearing are evident even after the passage of centuries. - (FZ.152)   « Less

In the ancient world, it was not uncommon for even the most functional objects to have a decorative flair. Here, a small, portable household lamp has taken the form of an  More »

In the ancient world, it was not uncommon for even the most functional objects to have a decorative flair. Here, a small, portable household lamp has taken the form of an African's head. When we hold its handle today, turning the lamp this way and that to admire its beautiful workmanship, we realize that we share our pleasure with the original owner of the piece. Suddenly, the love of beauty dissolves time and connects us across the ages with a vanished ancient life. - (FZ.203)   « Less

In the presence of a graceful hanging lamp like this, we are made acutely aware that civilizations at their peak can make functional objects beautiful as well. We are also  More »

In the presence of a graceful hanging lamp like this, we are made acutely aware that civilizations at their peak can make functional objects beautiful as well. We are also aware that the familiar becomes the unseen. Could this lamp possibly have delighted its original owners as much as it does us today? Of course! For it answers some need to be surrounded by beauty that is as old as time. - (Z.0046)   « Less

In the Classical age, the phallus was a protective symbol that warded off evil; it is frequently found on the thresholds of houses or over the door to frighten away bad luck.  More »

In the Classical age, the phallus was a protective symbol that warded off evil; it is frequently found on the thresholds of houses or over the door to frighten away bad luck. This unusual, stylized pestle may have served a similar function, designed to keep evil away from whatever it was being ground. Perhaps that was medicine, or food for ritual use. Like so many artifacts from a distant time, it keeps its secrets hidden, its meaning a mystery. We can only be certain that its magic is powerfully benevolent, then as now. - (P.0128)   « Less

‘The scene shows a seated figure, an approaching horned animal, and a standing figure in the background. There are three fillers: a scorpion, a snake and a plant.This  More »

‘The scene shows a seated figure, an approaching horned animal, and a standing figure in the background. There are three fillers: a scorpion, a snake and a plant.This is a Cypriot seal, c. 1600-1400 B.C. It is an interesting example for the triangular hands of the main figures, and it is in very good state of preservation.’Interpretation and dating provided by Professor Lambert. - (AM.0380)   « Less

Origin: Mediterranean Circa: 700 BC to 600 BC Dimensions: 9" (22.9cm) high Collection: Classical Style: Etruscan Medium: Terracotta

Origin: Mediterranean Circa: 700 BC to 600 BC Dimensions: 9" (22.9cm) high Collection: Classical Style: Etruscan Medium: Terracotta   « Less

This graceful vessel may once have contained a cosmetic powder, a treasured possession of a woman of fashion. Even empty, its beauty continues to delight us, as it surely did  More »

This graceful vessel may once have contained a cosmetic powder, a treasured possession of a woman of fashion. Even empty, its beauty continues to delight us, as it surely did its ancient owner. When we hold its delicate contours to be admired, we are linked directly to that ancient life. - (PF.0200)   « Less

This beautiful terracotta rhyton is in the form of a bull, with its finely modeled head turned slightly to the right. The barrel-shaped body, cylindrical legs and tail,  More »

This beautiful terracotta rhyton is in the form of a bull, with its finely modeled head turned slightly to the right. The barrel-shaped body, cylindrical legs and tail, pouring spout on the rump, and twin handles still keep the shape of the bull in a creative way. The head of the bull is intricately sculpted--the horns, painted eyes, and even nostrils are finely indicated. Dark, painterly marks decorate the tail, neck, and back, complementing the light reddish color of the terracotta. Whether in rituals and ceremonies or in daily life, such elegantly sculpted terracotta most likely had an important function. Its beauty survived thousands of years and its aesthetic quality and history are sure to remain with us today and into the future. - (PF.3139)   « Less

A thin sheet of gilt silver was pounded over a carving of a wild boar, producing this image. A technique is known today by the French word, repousser. A roundel such as this  More »

A thin sheet of gilt silver was pounded over a carving of a wild boar, producing this image. A technique is known today by the French word, repousser. A roundel such as this could have been used as a decoration for items ranging from the latches of a chest to the ends of the arms of a chair. Perhaps they were placed on chariots, a sort of logo for the rider. Whatever the original function, one can still appreciate the inherent beauty of the craftsmanship. The profile of the boar is finely carved in relief. Expert attention is paid to the texture of his bristly hair. We can still see the pupil of his eye and the nostrils of his snout. With open, snarling mouth and fixed gaze the fierceness of this wild beast is evident. There is a naturalistic quality of this roundel that transcends time. Once this work existed only to embellish another functional item, today its beauty stands on it own. - (FZ.365)   « Less

A thin sheets of gilt silver was pounded over a carving of a dog, a technique known by the French word, repousser. This roundel could have been used as a decoration for any  More »

A thin sheets of gilt silver was pounded over a carving of a dog, a technique known by the French word, repousser. This roundel could have been used as a decoration for any sort of items ranging from a chest to the ends of the arms of a chair. Perhaps they were placed on chariots like the logos that decorate the uniforms of contemporary sport teams. Regardless of their original function, we can still appreciate the inherent beauty of their craftsmanship. The collared dog, seen in profile, is finely carved in relief. Expert attention is paid to the texture of his fur. With his open, snarling mouth, ferocious fangs exposed, and tongue lapping in anticipation, the fierceness of this beast is overwhelming. There is a naturalistic quality of this roundel that transcends time. Once this work existed only to embellish another functional item, today its beauty alone is self- sufficient. - (FZ.366)   « Less