Lot no. 3
SCYTHROBE
Representing a stag.
3 rings at the back.
Gold. H. 4.3 x W. 6 cm; 47 gr
Scythian art, late 5th century BC
Provenance
Former A. Trampitsch Collection (1890-1970)
Then by descent
French private collection
Accompanied by a gold analysis report by Prof. Jack Ogden, Striptwist Ltd, 13/05/2025
Fashioned from a single piece of thick hammered gold, this stag is a fine example of the 'animal style' art of the Eurasian steppes during the first millennium BC. As a Scythian ornament, it would have been used in the tradition of ostentation of wealth.
The stag's large antlers extend backwards, while its legs are tucked under the body, suggesting rapid movement. As with other similar stag ornaments, the reverse features rings for attaching it to a garment.
This example has three of them, attached using a gold and copper alloy, which was typical of the period.
Comparable examples are in the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg (J. Aruz, A. Farkas, A. Alekseev and E. Korolkova, The Golden Deer of Eurasia, GE 2498/1) and at the Cleveland Museum of Art, inv. no. 1985.77.
A Scythian gold ornamental plaque in the shape of a stag. Ca. 5th century B.C.
Fashioned from a single piece of thick, hammered gold, this stag is a fine example of the 'Animal Style' art of the Eurasian Steppe during the first millennium B.C. As a Scythian ornamental accessory, it would have been used in the tradition of wealth-display. The large antlers extend to the rear of the stag, and the legs are tucked underneath, indicating urgent motion. As with similar examples of stag ornaments, the reverse features hoops, with which to attach it to clothing. This example has three, attached using a gold-copper alloy, which was typical of the period. Similar examples can be found in The State Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg (J. Aruz, A. Farkas, A. Alekseev and E. Korolkova, The Golden Deer of Eurasia, GE 2498/1) and The Cleveland Museum of Art, Acc. No. 1985.77.