• Antiquities auction at Christies

    Sale 12257

    Antiquities

    New York

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    25 October 2016

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    • A PAIR OF ETRUSCAN GOLD EAR ST
    Lot 116 | PROPERTY FROM A FRENCH PRIVATE COLLECTION Read more

    A PAIR OF ETRUSCAN GOLD EAR STUDS

    CIRCA 530-500 B.C.

    Price realised

    USD 30,000

    Estimate

    USD 30,000 - USD 50,000

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    Add to Interests

    A PAIR OF ETRUSCAN GOLD EAR STUDS
    CIRCA 530-500 B.C.
    Each: 1¼ in. (3.3 cm) diameter

    Provenance

    The Boilevin family, France, 19th century; thence by descent to Monsieur Boilevin.
    The Boilevin Estate; Archéologie, Tajan, Hôtel Drouot, Paris, 5 June 2002, lot 128.

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    Literature and exhibited

    Exhibited

    Luxembourg, Fine Art Gallery Luxembourg, Spring 1985.


    Lot Essay

    Each stud is composed of a sheet disk centered by a rosette. There is a central dome filled with minute granulation, framed by eight spheres each set within a sheet calyx, all enclosed by three concentric ornamental bands divided by filigree twisted wires. The reverse has a fluted dome centered by a hollow tube terminating in a loop. They beautifully illustrate the prowess of Etruscan jewelers who were unrivalled in terms of the quality of their filigree and granulation work.

    For related examples see F.H. Marshall, Catalogue of the Jewellery, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman, in the Departments of Antiquities, British Museum, London, 1911, nos. 1414-1426; pl. XX, and M. Cristofani and M. Martelli, L'Oro degli Etruschi, nos. 148-151.

    Other information

    Pre-Lot Text

    PROPERTY FROM A FRENCH PRIVATE COLLECTION

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