Greek pendant of a water bird, Thessaly, Geometric Period, 8th century BC
Bronze
Height: 4.9cm
11736 TA
Further images
Solid cast with an integral circular loop on the back for suspension, the plump-bodied bird stands poised with its feet bent at the ankles, a short triangular tail flares from...
Solid cast with an integral circular loop on the back for suspension, the plump-bodied bird stands poised with its feet bent at the ankles, a short triangular tail flares from the rear, and the curved neck forms an elegant 'S'-shaped line with the front of the breast, two slight projections widen the neck to represent the eyes. The beak is flattened and slightly upturned. Short parallel lines decorate where the tail and body meet as well as the upper and lower joints of the legs, and down the nape of the neck at the junction of the head and beak. Two triangular areas on the breast are delineated and filled with finely drawn criss-cross lines. The bird can stand without support. A green patina with some slight pitting and darker cuprites to the surface.
It is thought that these pendants were either votive or grave goods.
It is thought that these pendants were either votive or grave goods.
Provenance
Mathias Komor, New York, USA, stock number F245Howard Barnet Sr (1924-1992) and Saretta Barnet (1927-2017), New York, USA; acquired from the above, 3rd May 1977
Saretta Barnet Revocable Trust, New York, USA
Literature
A similar example is illustrated in Marion True et al., A Passion for Antiquities, Ancient Art from the Collection of Barbara and Lawrence Fleischman (Malibu, 1994), pp.47-48, no.8, where it is referred to as a hen, though the flattened beak would better describe a duck or goose.Illustrated in Mitten & Doeringer Master Bronzes from the Classical World (Mainz on Rhine, 1967), p.40, no 23 is a bird with flattened beak, referred to as a water bird, which was formerly in the Spencer-Churchill Collection, Northwick Park, UK and illustrated in Christie's London, UK, 21st June 1965, Northwick Park Collection, lot 441, p.108 and pl.49.
