MAGNA GRAECIA, CLASSICAL PERIOD, CIRCA 5TH CENTURY B.C.

Details

A GREEK BRONZE PSEUDO-CORINTHIAN HELMET
MAGNA GRAECIA, CLASSICAL PERIOD, CIRCA 5TH CENTURY B.C.
Formed of hammered sheet, of domed form, with a broad rear flange, the high-arching, M-shaped, raised eyebrows mirrored above and extending to the carinated ridge encircling the crown, the small false eye holes and nose-guard cut out and outlined with incised chevrons, the false cheek-pieces incised with confronting boars, with zigzag along the rim, six perforations at the top of the crown and three around the perimeter edge
9 ¾ in. (24.8 cm.) long

Provenance

Private Collection, Lausanne, acquired in the 1960s-1970s; thence by descent.

Brought to you by

G. Max Bernheimer

mbernheimer@christies.com +1 212 636 2247

Lot Essay

The pseudo-Corinthian helmet type developed in Italy during the 6th-5th century B.C. at the time when its mainland Hellenic cousin, the Corinthian helmet, became extinct in Greece. Function was the main difference of these two helmets, as the Italian product became more decorative rather than protective. It was worn on top of the head rather than over the face, secured with a chin strap, with the front portion serving as a visor (see p. 108 in A. Bottini, et al., Antike Helme).

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