909 - Hellenistic terracotta figures of a cavalryman and Eros, 2nd–1st centuries B.C.

Hellenistic terracotta figures of a cavalryman and Eros, 2nd–1st centuries B.C. Two Hellenistic terracotta figures, likely of Ptolemaic origin, made of sienna-colored clay. 1) Fragment of a floating Eros in the form of a naked boy, holding a torch with both hands at an angle in front of his torso, pointing upward. Above the shoulders are small wings pointing outward. The head, tilted slightly to the left, features a boy’s hairstyle and a wreath of wool. The symmetrical face and well-proportioned body are finely crafted in a style of above-average quality. The right leg is completely broken off; the left leg is broken below the knee. Small chips on the headdress above the apex of the wreath of wool and on the flame of the torch. Otherwise, a very well-preserved, still extremely graceful Hellenistic small sculpture. Assembled from two halves; the joints have been largely smoothed over. Preserved height: 15 cm. 2) Cavalry soldier in a riding position, clad in a chiton. The abdomen is girded with striped armor made of organic material (linen or leather). The head is covered with a late Chalcidian-style helmet. The cheek flaps and neck guard, as well as three medallion-like protrusions on the forehead guard, are well-crafted; the drapery of the chiton is visible on the chest and hips. The arms are broken off. Assembled from two halves; the joints have been smoothed only very roughly and are clearly visible. Height: 15 cm. CULTURAL PROPERTY! Provenance: Private collection in Stuttgart (bequeathed to the children A.B. and E.B.). Acquired by the parents (S. B. and B. B.) in 1977 from an art dealer in Jerusalem. Copies of “certificates” issued by the antiquities dealer at the time of purchase, bearing the date and the buyers’ passport numbers, are available. Previously offered for sale several years ago at the Eppli auction house (labels still present). Condition: II -