Lot 717
Stylish Antefix in Terra Cotta. Magna Graecia, perhaps Tarentum, c. 400-350 BC. Facing woman's head, with serene features, and a cloth covering over her hair. Perhaps Io. In a fairly fine-grain light pinkish-orange clay, with traces of white slip. In choice condition. Height: 6-1/2", on custom stand. A fine display piece.
Estimated Value $2,900 - 3,400.
The beauty of Io attracted Zeus' ever wandering, lustful eyes. He finally was able to seduce her, but was soon forced to turn the maid into a cow in order to divert the vengeful wrath of his wife, the goddess Hera. However, Hera, suspicious of this remarkably beautiful animal, trumped Zeus into handing the cow over to her. She promptly set the animal under the confinement of the ever watchful, many-eyed Argus. Zeus in turn sent cunning Hermes (Mercury) to slay Argus and free Io. Eventually this was done. But the vengeance of Juno was not yet satiated. She sent a gadfly to torment Io, who fled over the whole world from its pursuit.
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