Ancient Greek, Magna Graecia Gorgon Head Applique
08
days
18
hours
30
minutes
12
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Current bid
€ 200
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 1,800 - € 3,000
 | €200 |
|---|
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Grec ancien, Grande‑Grèce; circular terracotta wall plaque or medallion showing a Medusa head from Canosa, 3rd century BCE, with a diameter of 12.8 cm and a thickness of 2.5 cm, in very good plus condition and authentic/original. You will not receive shipping outside the European Union.
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Description from the seller
Attention for non-EU buyers: No shipping outside the European Union.
Circular applique with Medusa head (Gorgoneion)
Great Greece, Canosa, 3rd century BC
Circular terracotta appliqué or medallion molded in relief with a Medusa head, the only Gorgon to be individualized in ancient iconography.
The face, with full, softened features, presents a subdued apotropaic expression, typical of Hellenistic productions in southern Italy. Unlike the grimacing archaic representations, Medusa here adopts a nearly idealized physiognomy: almond-shaped eyes, straight nose, closed mouth, giving the whole a presence both protective and soothing.
The hair, arranged in wavy locks framing the face, stylizes the serpents characteristic of the Gorgon. This softened treatment is representative of the Canosa workshops, where the figure of Medusa frequently appears in funerary contexts with protective intent.
Two perforations in the upper part indicate a mounting system, suggesting a function as a wall plaque or a decorative furniture element.
The surface retains traces of polychromy, with white and pink highlights, bearing witness to the original painted appearance of the work, characteristic of the Canosan productions of the 3rd century BC.
Very good state of preservation.
Minute old restoration on the edge, otherwise intact.
Dimensions: diameter 12.8 cm; thickness 2.5 cm.
Provenance: Former Belgian private collection formed between 1980 and 1998 by Mr. F. C., former clerk at the Brussels Court of First Instance, Knight of the Order of the Crown of Belgium.
An invoice and a certificate of authenticity from the expert will be provided to the buyer.
The item will be shipped and insured by DHL Express.
Warning:
No shipping outside the European Union.
The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object.
The seller will not ship outside the EU.
Attention for non-EU buyers: No shipping outside of the European Union.
Seller's Story
Founded in 1978, the gallery is dedicated to classical archaeology and ancient numismatics.
It is located in Brussels, in the historic Sablon district, a leading spot of the European antique market.
Translated by Google TranslateAttention for non-EU buyers: No shipping outside the European Union.
Circular applique with Medusa head (Gorgoneion)
Great Greece, Canosa, 3rd century BC
Circular terracotta appliqué or medallion molded in relief with a Medusa head, the only Gorgon to be individualized in ancient iconography.
The face, with full, softened features, presents a subdued apotropaic expression, typical of Hellenistic productions in southern Italy. Unlike the grimacing archaic representations, Medusa here adopts a nearly idealized physiognomy: almond-shaped eyes, straight nose, closed mouth, giving the whole a presence both protective and soothing.
The hair, arranged in wavy locks framing the face, stylizes the serpents characteristic of the Gorgon. This softened treatment is representative of the Canosa workshops, where the figure of Medusa frequently appears in funerary contexts with protective intent.
Two perforations in the upper part indicate a mounting system, suggesting a function as a wall plaque or a decorative furniture element.
The surface retains traces of polychromy, with white and pink highlights, bearing witness to the original painted appearance of the work, characteristic of the Canosan productions of the 3rd century BC.
Very good state of preservation.
Minute old restoration on the edge, otherwise intact.
Dimensions: diameter 12.8 cm; thickness 2.5 cm.
Provenance: Former Belgian private collection formed between 1980 and 1998 by Mr. F. C., former clerk at the Brussels Court of First Instance, Knight of the Order of the Crown of Belgium.
An invoice and a certificate of authenticity from the expert will be provided to the buyer.
The item will be shipped and insured by DHL Express.
Warning:
No shipping outside the European Union.
The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object.
The seller will not ship outside the EU.
Attention for non-EU buyers: No shipping outside of the European Union.
Seller's Story
Founded in 1978, the gallery is dedicated to classical archaeology and ancient numismatics.
It is located in Brussels, in the historic Sablon district, a leading spot of the European antique market.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Greek, Magna Graecia
Century/timeframe
3ème siècle avant J-C. (Canosa)
Name of object
Gorgon Head Applique
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Very good +
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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.
