Cypro-Archaic Limestone Male Scribe Figure

Object Description

A Cypro-Archaic, limestone, male figurine modelled in the half-round. The figure is standing and is depicted in the nude with a mantle around his shoulders. He holds a codex in the right hand, and wears a diadem. The facial features are worn but the eye recesses and nose bridge can still be deciphered. The hair and diadem have beautifully incised details and decoration. The figure stands on a domed base, and the back of the figure is flat and unadorned.

Date: Circa 6th – 3rd Century BC
Period: Cypro-Archaic

Object History

By repute, acquired from Bonhams, London Uk. from a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

Object Condition

Very good condition. The facial features are heavily worn but detail of the codex, hair, and diadem are still clearly visible. The bottom left corner of the mantle has broken off at some point in antiquity. There are some earthly encrustations over the surface of the piece. There has been repair around the ankles and the neck, the fine seams of which are still slightly visible. There is residue of an adhesive on the bottom of the piece.

Object Details