Lot 29
SABAEAN RELIEF FRAGMENT
SOUTHERN ARABIA C. 8TH – 7TH CENTURY B.C.
£2,772
Classical Ancient Art // Form Through Time
Auction: Form Through Time - 21st March 2024 at 2pm
Description
carved alabaster, a recumbent ibex executed in bas-relief and situated within a rectangular panel, a small section of a second ibex below, with remnants of a nineteenth century label and raised on a bespoke mount
Dimensions
20.8cm tall (unmounted), 23cm tall (mounted)
Provenance
Provenance:
Private collection, United Kingdom, formed late 19th – early 20th century
Footnote
Note:
The present piece almost certainly formed part of a repeating pattern on a border frame to a large dedicatory inscription, similar to those known from Nashshan, Jebel al-Lawd and the Baran temple at Marib. The frequent appearance of the ibex in Sabaean art can be attributed to its profound symbolic significance within the South Arabian pantheon of deities. This, coupled with its intrinsic qualities such as a supple physique, graceful movement and elegantly curved horns rendered it especially conducive to artistic representation.
For similar please see:
Christie’s, London, Antiquities, 25th October 2007, lot 262 (sold for £2,750)
The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, accession number 21.37
