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Nomos 4

10 May 2011
Zunfthaus zur Saffran, Zürich
overview
Estimate: 850 CHF
Hammer Price:  8000 CHF
Lot 1108

THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 460-440 BC. Drachm (Silver, 5.36 g 12). Youth, nude but for cloak over his shoulders and petasos hanging from a cord around his neck, holding a band in both his hands around the head of a bull rushing to right. Rev. Λ - Α - R - Ι Bridled horse to left within incuse square. Herrmann Group III B, pl. I, 21(same dies). Lorber 2008, pl. 41, 9. A lovely piece with a dark patina as found. Extremely fine.


Acquired from Spink’s in January 1977 for £ 1100 and ex Glendining & Co., 20 November 1975, 883 (£650).

The true meaning of the obverse scene, the taurokathapsia or games involving men and bulls, was elucidated by Elizabeth Pendleton. She pointed out that the Thessalian hero holds a band, which he is using to control the bull by passing it around the animal’s head and pulling it tight. This is similar to a lasso, but it is a much more strenuous affair and must have required a great deal of skill!

Online bidding closes: 10 May 2011, 14:00:00 CEST Current Date & Time: 26 Apr 2024, 06:22:53 CEST Remaining Time: Closed Hammer Price:8000 CHF

Pre-Bidding closes on 10 Mai 2011 at 14:00 CEST. Live bidding starts at 14:00 CET and is EXCLUSIVELY available on biddr. Separate registration is required.

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