CIRCA 9TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.

Details

A CELTIC LIMESTONE MALE HEAD
CIRCA 9TH-12TH CENTURY A.D.
Wearing peaked headgear and high-necked drapery, grimacing with teeth indicated, prominent almond-shaped eyes and striated beard, mounted
9 in. (23 cm.) high

Provenance

English private collection.

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

The head can be related to Irish ecclesiastical representations dating to the 12th Century A.D., although with its more distinctly pagan feel, the above head could be of earlier date. Cf. M. Ryan (ed.), Treasures of Ireland: Irish Art 3000 B.C.-1500 A.D., Royal Irish Academy, Dublin, 1983, p. 176, no. 84, pl. on p. 32 for a gilt bronze figure of a bearded bishop wearing a high-necked cloak and mitre; and pl. on p. 65 for the row of bearded figures on St Manchan's Shrine, Boher, Co. Offaly.

More from Antiquities

View All