Greek Revival. Archaeological discoveries during the Art Deco era led to an interest in ancient designs such as Roman, Egyptian and Greek. The Greek key design found its way onto many items including watches, jewelry and everyday household objects. Statues or figurines, including bronzes, also had Ancient Greek designs to them such as gods and other classical figures.
Below are some examples and price guides of Art Deco Greek revival inspired antiques including a figure of Orpheus and a travel clock with a Greek key design to the rim.
Percy Bryant Baker (1881-1970)
Music
inscribed ‘© / Bryant Baker / 1932’ (along the base) and inscribed ‘NO.I’ (on the base) and inscribed ‘no 1. B.B’ (underneath the base)
bronze with brown patina
25 in. (63.5 cm.) high, on a 2 3/8 in. (6 cm.) high wooden base.
In this work, it is believed that Baker depicts Orpheus, the fabled musician, poet, and prophet in ancient Greek mythology standing in an elegant contrapposto pose with his right arm extended outward. Cradled in Orpheus’ left arm is his lyre that his father Apollo gave to him and that he played with such mastery that neither enemies nor beasts could resist his melodies. Bryant has given Orpheus’ an expression of anguish and sorrow, suggesting that Bryant is possibly depicting the moment in the story of Orpheus and Eurydice when Orpheus, learning of Eurydice’s death, sung his grief with his lyre, moving every human and God.
Sold for US$5,100 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2022
Asprey & Co Ltd, an Art Deco 9ct gold cigarette case, of engine-turned design and Greek key motif border, with sliding mechanism, maker’s marks for Asprey & Co Ltd, hallmarks for London 1927, patent number 21914, length 13.5cm, 204.7g
Sold for £2,400 at Kinghams Auctioneers in 2022
18k Gold Platinum Tiffany Greek Key Enamel Watch
18k Gold & Platinum Tiffany Stunning Greek Key Enamel Art Deco Pocket Watch. Pristine condition. Ultra-thin high grade movement with 18 Jewels and 8 Adjustments. Greek Key enamel is in incredible condition. Circa:1920s
Sold for US$1,300 at Hess Fine Auctions in 2022
Art Deco Chain Link 14K Gold and Seed Pearl Choker and Bracelet, each made of green and rose gold chain link with Greek key motif and seed pearl decorated clasp, the bracelet clasp with safety chain (both marked on clasp ’14’ with Greek letter Psi, tests 14K). Dimensions of bracelet: 1 3/4 in. x 6 1/2 in. Total weight: 32.66 dwt.
Sold for US$1,700 Everard Auctions & Appraisals in 2022
Lacloche 14K Gold & Silver Travel Clock
20th century
the Art Deco dial signed “Lacloche, France,” bezel with Greek key motif
2 1/2 x 1 3/4 x 3/4 inches
Sold for US$2,200 at Fontaine’s Auction Gallery in 2021
