Greek antefix with palmette decoration

ITEM: Antefix with palmette decoration
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Greek
PERIOD: 3rd - 1st Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 193 mm x 150 mm x 90 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex European private collection, Ex Galerie Bader (1976), Ex private collection, M.E.S., Switzerland

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Greek antefixes were decorative architectural elements used primarily in the decoration of the eaves of buildings, particularly temples, homes, and other public structures. These terracotta ornaments were affixed to the ends of the roof tiles, creating a finished look while also serving to protect the roof from weather damage. Antefixes typically featured intricate designs, often reflecting mythological themes, deities, or symbolic motifs. The palmette, a stylized representation of a palm or flower, was one of the most common decorative patterns seen on Greek antefixes, especially during the Archaic and Classical periods. Its use symbolized fertility, rebirth, and prosperity, concepts deeply embedded in Greek religious and cultural beliefs.

The palmette decoration on Greek antefixes was typically arranged in a fan-like shape, with radiating petals or leaves, creating an aesthetically pleasing and harmonious pattern. This motif was not just decorative but also had symbolic meaning, often associated with life-giving forces and divine protection. In the context of Greek architecture, the palmette was a common motif in various decorative elements, from vases and pottery to friezes and temple decorations. Its presence on antefixes could be interpreted as a symbolic invitation of divine favor or protection for the building and its inhabitants. The use of such motifs on the exterior of sacred and civic buildings underscored the importance of religion and the gods in the lives of the ancient Greeks.

In addition to its symbolic and aesthetic functions, the palmette-decorated antefix also played a practical role in protecting the integrity of the building. The protruding, ornate shapes helped to secure the roof tiles in place, preventing rainwater from seeping into the structure. Archaeological finds of these antefixes, particularly from temples and public buildings in regions like Athens, Delos, and Corinth, highlight their importance in Greek architectural design. The palmette, as part of the antefix, became a symbol not only of artistic sophistication but also of the Greeks' ability to blend form and function in their monumental architecture.