907 - Three bronze figurines in the form of sirens, Greek, third quarter of the 6th century B.C.

Three bronze figurines in the form of sirens, Greek, third quarter of the 6th century B.C. Three identically shaped, matching, flat feet of a device. On the back, at the level of the wings, each has a notched triangular support, the top of which has a standing surface roughly shaped like an equilateral triangle. The flat sections of the feet are approximately 3 mm thick. The lower ends are rendered in full relief as lion’s paws, while the upper sections are in bas-relief as busts of sirens. Above each lion’s paw, a seven-leafed palmette is incised within the diamond-shaped lower section of the feet, which extend angularly outward on both sides at that point. Above this, the feet run with parallel, straight sides. This section is separated from the siren bust above by two horizontal incised lines. The inward-curving wings are separated from the torso by an outward-sweeping step that culminates in a raised ridge along the upper edge of the wings. The slightly lower plumage is depicted by a series of tongue-shaped incisions. Two flat cones between the wings form the breasts. Above them, on a long, broad neck, is the finely crafted face of the siren with her characteristic “archaic smile.” Above the curls on the forehead is a polos; on the sides, long, curly strands fall down onto the shoulders. Beautiful, dark brown patina. Lengths: 12.4 cm, 12.6 cm, and 12.8 cm. A similarly shaped bronze base originates from the finds at Olympia. Similarly designed supporting bases have also been found in the sanctuary of Hera Lacinia on Capo Colonna near the Greek colony of Croton in Magna Graecia. Three charming examples of Archaic art of exquisite quality. CULTURAL HERITAGE! Provenance: Private collection in Berlin. Acquired in 2009 from Gorny & Mosch, Auction 179, Lot 9. Previously in a private English collection. Condition: I -