African & Oceanic Art, Antiquities and Natural History

Python was one of two vase painters from ancient Italy whose names have survived with their works. Python painted in the red-figure style, largely capturing traditional mythological and Dionysian themes. Two known signed works by Python reside in the British Museum and the Paestum Museum. Highlighted in the upcoming African & Oceanic Art, Antiquities, and Natural History auction, presented by Lyon & Turnbull, is a bell-shaped vase attributed to Python. Designed for the mixing of wine and water, this vase shows a young Dionysus wearing a wreath with a thyrsus in one hand. In the other, he is shown offering a phiale to a nude and bearded Silenos. 

An ancient Celtic shield from the fifth century B.C. is also highlighted. Produced from a single sheet of bronze, the design features concentric bands rising into a dome and several diamond-shaped perforations. The shield was designed to be worn by Celtic elites and displayed at festivals and religious events. Also available in this auction are helmets from various civilizations, including an Illyrian-type Greek helmet. Passed from father to son, ancient Greek soldiers prized these helmets. Browse the full catalog and register to bid on Lyon & Turnbull.