GREEK MYCENAEAN GOLD DIADEM 2nd millennium BC A leaf-shaped sheet gold plaque from a diadem with twisted loop finials, repoussé circle with central boss and ring of annulets, palmettes to the outer ends. 7.22 grams, 16cm (6 1/4"). Fine condition. Provenance Property of a central London gentleman; formerly in the Tony Brandon collection, London, UK; formed 1980s; collection number 163. Supplied with a positive X-Ray Fluorescence metal analysis certificate. Published Accompanied by an Art Loss Register certificate. Literature Cf. Higgins, R. Minoan and Mycenean Art, London, 1967, item 211. Footnotes The shape of this diadem is very similar to the one found by Heinrich Schliemann in 1876 in shaft grave III at the palace of Mycenae. This diadem included seven spear shaped attachments that gave the impression of a sunburst. All of the gold objects found in the graves included the spiral decoration typical of Mycenaean art. A central aspect of Mycenaean material culture were their cyclopean tombs with kings and nobles buried in the so-called two grave circles at Mycenae, which were areas of shaft graves surrounded by a low limestone wall. The bodies were buried in a foetal or sitting position, and some underwent slight mummification.
GREEK MYCENAEAN GOLD DIADEM 2nd millennium BC A leaf-shaped sheet gold plaque from a diadem with twisted loop finials, repoussé circle with central boss and ring of annulets, palmettes to the outer ends. 7.22 grams, 16cm (6 1/4"). Fine condition. Provenance Property of a central London gentleman; formerly in the Tony Brandon collection, London, UK; formed 1980s; collection number 163. Supplied with a positive X-Ray Fluorescence metal analysis certificate. Published Accompanied by an Art Loss Register certificate. Literature Cf. Higgins, R. Minoan and Mycenean Art, London, 1967, item 211. Footnotes The shape of this diadem is very similar to the one found by Heinrich Schliemann in 1876 in shaft grave III at the palace of Mycenae. This diadem included seven spear shaped attachments that gave the impression of a sunburst. All of the gold objects found in the graves included the spiral decoration typical of Mycenaean art. A central aspect of Mycenaean material culture were their cyclopean tombs with kings and nobles buried in the so-called two grave circles at Mycenae, which were areas of shaft graves surrounded by a low limestone wall. The bodies were buried in a foetal or sitting position, and some underwent slight mummification.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
