A Greek bronze pseudo-Corinthian helmet, Magna Graecia, Classical Period, circa 5th century B.C.
Lot 130. A Greek bronze pseudo-Corinthian helmet, Magna Graecia, Classical Period, circa 5th century B.C., 9 ½ in. (24 cm.) high. Estimate GBP 15,000 - GBP 20,000. Price realised GBP 47,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017
Provenance: Swiss private collection, acquired prior to 1966.
Note: More decorative rather than protective, the pseudo-Corinthian helmet type developed in South Italy during the 6th-5th century B.C. at the time when its mainland Hellenic cousin, the Corinthian helmet, became extinct in Greece. It was worn on top of the head rather than over the face, secured with a chin strap, with the front portion serving as a visor (see p. 108 in A. Bottini, et al., Antike Helme). This helmet has raised brows and incised details, including hatching around the eye holes and the phantom nose-guard as well as the confronting boars on the cheek-plates.
Christie's. Antiquities, 5 July 2017, London, King Street