Etruscan Bronze Swan-shaped applique
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Current bid
€ 20
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 330 - € 400
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A bronze Swan-shaped applique of Etruscan origin, dating to the 4th–3rd century BC, measuring 51 mm by 35 mm, in good condition, from a European private collection with provenance including ALARA S.P.R.L and the F.K. collection, acquired in 2025, and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity and EU export license.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
ITEM: Swan-shaped applique
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Etruscan
PERIOD: 4th - 3rd Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 51 mm x 35 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex European private collection, Ex ALARA S.P.R.L (1976), Ex F.K. collection, 1972 - 1976
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and European Union export license
If you bid outside the European Union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks.
The Etruscan swan is a recurring motif in the art of ancient Etruria, serving as a graceful bridge between the natural world and the divine. Frequently appearing in jewelry, pottery, and bronze engravings, the swan was rarely depicted in isolation; rather, it was often associated with Turmush (the Etruscan Hermes) or Lasa, a winged deity of the female circle. For the Etruscans, the swan’s ability to navigate water, earth, and air made it a powerful symbol of transition and a messenger between the mortal realm and the afterlife.
In the realm of craftsmanship, the swan motif reached its zenith in Etruscan jewelry and bronze work. Skilled artisans utilized the technique of granulation—fusing tiny spheres of gold to a surface—to create intricate swan pendants and earrings that were prized by the aristocracy. On the backs of bronze mirrors, etched scenes often feature swans gracefully swimming or interacting with mythological figures, reflecting the animal's association with beauty, light, and the sun. These objects were not just vanity items but were deeply personal possessions meant to accompany their owners into the tomb.
The presence of the swan in funerary art underscores its role as a "psychopomp," a guide for the soul. In many burial sites, swan-shaped vessels or decorations are found alongside the deceased, intended to ensure a peaceful journey to the underworld. Whether rendered in the sleek, dark finish of bucchero ware or as a delicate relief on a limestone sarcophagus, the Etruscan swan remains a testament to a culture that saw profound spiritual meaning in the elegance of the natural world, transforming a common bird into an eternal symbol of the soul's flight.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateITEM: Swan-shaped applique
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Etruscan
PERIOD: 4th - 3rd Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 51 mm x 35 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex European private collection, Ex ALARA S.P.R.L (1976), Ex F.K. collection, 1972 - 1976
Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and European Union export license
If you bid outside the European Union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks.
The Etruscan swan is a recurring motif in the art of ancient Etruria, serving as a graceful bridge between the natural world and the divine. Frequently appearing in jewelry, pottery, and bronze engravings, the swan was rarely depicted in isolation; rather, it was often associated with Turmush (the Etruscan Hermes) or Lasa, a winged deity of the female circle. For the Etruscans, the swan’s ability to navigate water, earth, and air made it a powerful symbol of transition and a messenger between the mortal realm and the afterlife.
In the realm of craftsmanship, the swan motif reached its zenith in Etruscan jewelry and bronze work. Skilled artisans utilized the technique of granulation—fusing tiny spheres of gold to a surface—to create intricate swan pendants and earrings that were prized by the aristocracy. On the backs of bronze mirrors, etched scenes often feature swans gracefully swimming or interacting with mythological figures, reflecting the animal's association with beauty, light, and the sun. These objects were not just vanity items but were deeply personal possessions meant to accompany their owners into the tomb.
The presence of the swan in funerary art underscores its role as a "psychopomp," a guide for the soul. In many burial sites, swan-shaped vessels or decorations are found alongside the deceased, intended to ensure a peaceful journey to the underworld. Whether rendered in the sleek, dark finish of bucchero ware or as a delicate relief on a limestone sarcophagus, the Etruscan swan remains a testament to a culture that saw profound spiritual meaning in the elegance of the natural world, transforming a common bird into an eternal symbol of the soul's flight.
Seller's Story
Your Antiquarian offers ancient art and ancient coins. Our main objective is to offer the highest quality at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Therefore, all the pieces that are published come from private collections in which the provenance can be checked or international auctions. All our antiquities and coins are accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity. We have a no quibble 90 day return policy. At Your Antiquarian we are committed to helping disadvantaged groups and for this reason a portion of each purchase is donated to charities to help people in need.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Etruscan
Century/ Timeframe
4th - 3rd Century B.C
Name of object
Swan-shaped applique
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Switzerland
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
