Stainless-Steel Cycladic Idol

304 Stainless Steel

Mirror Polished Finish

FIGURE

H: 122cm

Shoulder Width: 32.8cm
Depth: 20cm

BASE

40x40x20cm

Approximate Total Weight: 50kg

This stainless‑steel Cycladic idol, accompanied by a detachable custom base, is inspired by the mysterious art of an ancient civilization. No other figure representing the famous Cycladic idols has ever been made at this scale or in this material. It is truly the first of its kind in history.

For this contempo, the form, shape, and proportionality of the original are represented, providing the ultimate connection to the ancient piece. Reimagined for today, the impressive work is a unique variant and the only edition that will be created.

Taking over 100 hours, the process begins with crafting over 40 separate pieces of 304 stainless steel. Artisans expertly join and weld these pieces over a mold precisely created through our digital reimagination process. The unique curvature and shapely features of this ancient design required an intensive artisanal process.

Combining modern and ancient techniques allows Antico to forge a multiple‑millennia‑old design with the future. The high mirror polish requires intensive hands‑on work. As a result, the idol presents purity; no blemishes are permitted on such a monumental work of art.

The base is crafted as a sharply defined cube, featuring integrated steel support poles that allow the figure to be fully detachable, enhancing its exclusivity and collectible appeal. The result is a strikingly reflective, contemporary presentation with refined precision. From every angle and in every space, this contempo will defy the odds and change with its environment.

Excellent corrosion resistance and durability allow this piece to thrive in any outdoor space or to serve as the striking focal point of an interior space, effortlessly enhancing its surroundings for a lifetime. No other work of art has ever merged contemporary style with timeless history while achieving this level of technological innovation and handcrafted artistry.

The original marble idol is from the Early Cycladic II period, circa 2500 to 2400 B.C. These idols come from the Greek islands that made up the Cyclades. Most major museums pride themselves on having at least one great example.

This ancient masterpiece is attributed to the Naxos Museum Sculptor of the Spedos variety, representing the highest quality yet most diverse variety of Cycladic idols. In some cases, red and blue pigments indicated the details such as eyes and the hairline; when survived, the almond-shaped eyes have dotted pupils.

Cycladic marble idols are generally represented as a reclining folded-arm female figure and originate from the geographic areas of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea. Cycladic art is famous mostly for these statuettes, whose design is both simple and attractive, appealing to the modern artistic eye.

This statuette has slightly protruding breasts; the legs are slightly bent, arms folded over the belly. The head is tilted backwards; its flared oval profile recalls the shape of a lyre. Only the straight nose is sculpted on the face.

The proportions of the figure are elegant and subtle; the rounded line of the shoulders is particularly fine. Incisions highlight the nape, the base of the neck. The deep notch between the legs shows an elongated opening between the knees.

More detailed literature of the ancient original piece available upon request.

Price on request.

contact@anticocontempo.com