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This scarce piece is an Etruscan bronze cauldron foot in the form of a winged female. This piece dates circa 5th-4th century BC., and is approximately 4.5 inches high. This winged female probably represents a Harpy, who was a mythical creature that was part woman, with huge claws, and she was also part bird with bird's wings. The Harpies were known to the Greeks and the Etruscans as having carried off Camiro and Clytia, the duaghters of Pandarus of Crete, as a punishment for his complicity with Tantalus in stealing ambrosia and nectar from the table of the gods. This piece has a nice dark green patina with some calcite deposits. The face of the Harpy has rounded eyes and squared hair over the forehead, which is a typical Etruscan convention of art. The wings of this piece have great detail and were chased after the piece was cast. A scarce piece that exhibits nice Etruscan artistic style. Ex: Bonhams Antiquities London, Dec. 1996, no. 242 (2500-3000 pound estimate.) Ex: New York private collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition:
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