Etruscan Negau Helmet, Golden Patina, Eastern Alpine Type
Italy, Etruria, Etrusco-Villanovan, ca. 450–350 BCE. A high domed war helmet raised from hammered sheet, its crown swept up to a median ridge running front to back and finished at the base with a horizontal carinated ridge above a projecting, vertically flanged rim. The rim is lightly incised, its edge softly rounded, and pierced at either side for the chin strap. Solder scars on the forward crown and at each side mark the seating of a crest holder, now lost. Much of the original gilding survives across the surface, broken by passages of greenish black patina. Helmets of this type served the infantry of Etruria and the eastern Alpine world, and a gilded example such as this would have declared the rank as loudly as it defended the head. Size: 9.75" W x 8" H x 9" D (24.8 cm W x 20.3 cm H x 22.9 cm D).
The Negau type takes its name from Zenjak, near Negau (Negova) in present-day Slovenia, where a cache of more than two dozen such helmets was unearthed in 1812 and later published by Paul Reinecke ("Der Negauer Helmfund," Bericht der Roemisch-Germanischen Kommission 32, 1942, pp. 117-98). Several of the Zenjak helmets carry short inscriptions in a north Italic alphabet, one of which has been read as a Germanic personal name, making the hoard a touchstone in debates over early Germanic and Raetic epigraphy.
The form itself belongs to the Etrusco-Villanovan armourer's repertoire and spread north across the Alps through trade and tribute, remaining in use long enough that examples were still being dedicated in sanctuaries generations after they were made. Gilding is uncommon on the type and suggests a helmet made for display and status as much as for the battle line.
Provenance: NYC. collection; Ex. Edward H. Merrin Gallery, Inc., NYC., acquired London art market, 1980. TEFAF Maastricht 2017, Kat. Nr. 88Galerie Rhéa Inventory Number CL.1439.
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #
73324
Condition
Soldering marks for (missing) crest holder on the forward part and to each side of the crown, very small addition at the dome. Retains most of the original gilt surface with areas of greenish-black surface patina, excellent overall surface quality. A few very minor brim rim dings, otherwise intact, excellent condition.
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Italy, Etruria, Etrusco-Villanovan, ca. 450–350 BCE. A high domed war helmet raised from hammered sheet, its crown swept up to a median ridge running front to back and finished at the base with a horizontal carinated ridge above a projecting, vertically flanged rim. The rim is lightly incised, its edge softly rounded, and pierced at either side for the chin strap. Solder scars on the forward crown and at each side mark the seating of a crest holder, now lost. Much of the original gilding survives across the surface, broken by passages of greenish black patina. Helmets of this type served the infantry of Etruria and the eastern Alpine world, and a gilded example such as this would have declared the rank as loudly as it defended the head. Size: 9.75" W x 8" H x 9" D (24.8 cm W x 20.3 cm H x 22.9 cm D).
The Negau type takes its name from Zenjak, near Negau (Negova) in present-day Slovenia, where a cache of more than two dozen such helmets was unearthed in 1812 and later published by Paul Reinecke ("Der Negauer Helmfund," Bericht der Roemisch-Germanischen Kommission 32, 1942, pp. 117-98). Several of the Zenjak helmets carry short inscriptions in a north Italic alphabet, one of which has been read as a Germanic personal name, making the hoard a touchstone in debates over early Germanic and Raetic epigraphy.
The form itself belongs to the Etrusco-Villanovan armourer's repertoire and spread north across the Alps through trade and tribute, remaining in use long enough that examples were still being dedicated in sanctuaries generations after they were made. Gilding is uncommon on the type and suggests a helmet made for display and status as much as for the battle line.
Provenance: NYC. collection; Ex. Edward H. Merrin Gallery, Inc., NYC., acquired London art market, 1980. TEFAF Maastricht 2017, Kat. Nr. 88Galerie Rhéa Inventory Number CL.1439.
SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact support@artemisfinearts.com prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.
Item #
73324
Condition
Soldering marks for (missing) crest holder on the forward part and to each side of the crown, very small addition at the dome. Retains most of the original gilt surface with areas of greenish-black surface patina, excellent overall surface quality. A few very minor brim rim dings, otherwise intact, excellent condition.
Buyer's Premium
30%
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
