Terracotta Statuette of a Dolphin from Canosa

Culture: Greek/Canosan

Period: 3rd century B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 16.7 cm long

Price: Sold

Ref: 2544

Provenance: Belgian private collection, acquired in early 2000 from André de Munter Archaéologie, Brussels, Belgium. With the original expertise and inventory card by André de Munter Archaéologie.

Condition: Intact with beautiful color remains.

Description: Elaborately modelled terracotta statuette of a dolphin, which was considered a friend and lifesaver of humans. The body is finely curved with a raised, heart-shaped fin tail. The snout is flat and far protruding, the eyes looking determinedly straight. On the sides the pectoral fins (flippers) are finely ribbed, the back fin is short. The dolphin is depicted in motion. With beautiful color remains. A perforation on the back indicates that once a separately worked out statuette of Eros was affixed. Eros riding a dolphin was a popular motive since the 5th century B.C. The depiction can be found on mosaics, coins and marble sculptures. See for a similar example, possibly from the same workshop at Christie’s New York on 7 December 2007, lot 496. An example with a belonging Eros figure, see Bonhams auction London on 30 December 205, lot 42. Mounted.