What is an antefix and what was its purpose in ancient architecture?

An antefix is a decorative brick used on buildings to cover roof tile ends and add ornamentation.

What does the depicted antefix relief illustrate?

The relief depicts a young woman with detailed facial features, a styled hairdo, and jewelry.

What are the dimensions and condition of this Greek antefix from 400 B.C.E.?

The antefix is 18.5 x 18.8 x 6 cm with minor damage including a missing corner and small chip.

What materials and techniques were used to create this antefix?

The antefix was molded from brick with incised and shaped details for the relief.

What is the provenance of this particular antefix?

It originated from a private German collection in the 1980s and is linked to the Ludwig Collection.

Is this antefix currently available for purchase?

The antefix has been sold and is not available for purchase.

A Beautiful Greek Antefix

Description

A beautiful reddish tone Antefixes, an antefix is a decorative brick used on buildings. This semi- oval relief was made from a mold. The illustration shows a bust of a young woman looking to her right. The face is sunken by both Eyes to emphasize them with shaped bold eyelids. The pupils are incised; the protruding nose and the pair of lips are slightly worn. The head is framed by a powerful hairstyle, with hair parted in the center, and with numerous curls to the sides and some combed back . The woman is wearing a Cross and pyramidal earrings. The relief is mounted on a base with velvet .

Cf. :H. Herdejurgen , Basel Museum of Antiquities . (1982 ). Ancient Art Works from the Ludwig Collection

REFERENCE #

P 20752

CIVILIZATION

Greek. 400 B.C.E.

SIZE

H. 18.5 cm, W 18.8 cm, D. 6 cm

CONDITION

The left corner is missing. A small chip on top. Otherwise only minor abrasions on nose and lips.

PRICE

SOLD

PROVENANCE

Ex. Private German collection, 1980’s

Frequently Asked Questions

An antefix is a decorative brick used on buildings, typically placed at the edge of a roof to conceal the ends of roof tiles and add ornamental detail. It often features relief designs and was both functional and aesthetic in ancient architecture.

The antefix relief shows a bust of a young woman looking to her right, with sunken eyes emphasized by bold eyelids, incised pupils, a protruding nose, and slightly worn lips. Her hairstyle is powerful, parted in the center with numerous curls, and she wears a cross and pyramidal earrings.

The antefix measures 18.5 cm in height, 18.8 cm in width, and 6 cm in depth. It is in good condition with a missing left corner, a small chip on top, and minor abrasions on the nose and lips.

This antefix was made from a mold, resulting in a semi-oval relief crafted from brick. The detailed features such as the eyes, nose, and lips were incised or shaped to emphasize the design.

This antefix was part of a private German collection in the 1980s before being referenced in the Basel Museum of Antiquities. It is associated with the Ludwig Collection of ancient artworks.

No, this antefix has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.

A Beautiful Greek Antefix