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Head of griffin
Greek
Archaic Period
about 650 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Bronze
Dimensions
Height: 11.3 cm (4 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds donated by contribution
Accession Number01.7471
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsVessels
Catalogue Raisonné
Greek, Etruscan, & Roman Bronzes (MFA), no. 406; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 124 (additional published references).
DescriptionThe head of the griffin was cast and is preserved to the base of the baggy pouch. An offset termination, like a ring, separates the head proper from the neck. The latter was hammered. There are traces of incised scales all over the head, which is badly cracked. Pieces are missing from the top of the knob, nose, tip of the tongue, and right ear. Dingy green patina.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: W. H. Forman Collection; by 1900: with Sotheby, Wilkinson and Hodge, 13 Wellington Street, Strand, London (auction of the Forman Collection, part 2, July 2-5, perhaps lot 562, partial); by 1901: with Edward Perry Warren; purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren, December 1901