87 - Greek Terracotta Figure of Young Dionysos. 5th century B.C. Modelled as a hollow torso nude of a youthful male, with a beardless face, full lips, tall nose and almond-shaped eyes; short curly hair with a thick wreath including a rosette, folded fabric draped over the right hand; mounted on a custom-made stand. Cf. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, item no.10.210.151; National Gallery Prague, item no.NM-H10 4777. 327 grams total, 15 cm including stand (5 7/8 in.). (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.)

Greek Terracotta Figure of Young Dionysos. 5th century B.C. Modelled as a hollow torso nude of a youthful male, with a beardless face, full lips, tall nose and almond-shaped eyes; short curly hair with a thick wreath including a rosette, folded fabric draped over the right hand; mounted on a custom-made stand. Cf. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, item no.10.210.151; National Gallery Prague, item no.NM-H10 4777. 327 grams total, 15 cm including stand (5 7/8 in.). (For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price.) Ex Prof. Hans Dahn (1919-2019), Lausanne; acquired 12 March 1954 from Donati in Basel (Dahn's list no.105). It remains a matter of debate who these clay symposiasts- characterised by their specific, sometimes very imaginative headdresses- represent. They have been variously interpreted as Dionysos, heroised deceased persons or representative images of the urban elite. The type was particularly popular in Taranto. The recumbent man probably held a kantharos in his left hand and wore a coat that was tightly wrapped around his left arm. TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists. See our website for more information.