Posted on 02/17/2014 1:54:08 PM PST by SunkenCiv
...Mounir with that metal finger shown around Gaza has attracted the attentions of Hamas' spies, always well introduced in every environment. Within a few hours the fisherman is arrested and the statue, which could date back to the fourth century B. C., is seized. It would be a great achievement for Hamas to show the world this wonder of Greek art - comparable to the Riace Bronzes - but for those who have it in their hands it soon becomes clear that the Apollo must remain a secret. Islam forbids the reproduction of the human figure in art and accepts only floral and decorative painting. Moreover the Apollo in accordance to the style of the era is naked and it would be impossible for the zealous fundamentalists to show it in public. The statue must disappear, suggests someone, better to sell it - like so many other antiquities...
As a well know International "mediator" is working to find a buyer for the Apollo rough estimates speak of 20-40 million dollars, and in the race there would already be a major American museum.
(Excerpt) Read more at repubblica.it ...
A bronze statue of the Greek God Apollo is pictured in Gaza in this September 19, 2013 picture provided by Gaza's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. CREDIT: REUTERS/GAZA'S MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND ANTIQUITIES/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS
It may not be that the object is an archaeological fake, intended to fool the market. Could it be in fact part of the abandoned or lost equipment from some pre-War Mediterranean cruise ship, a 'classy' art-deco decoration from the coctail bar dumped in the sea decades ago? -- Apollo of Gaza: Made in China? Tuesday, 11 February 2014
New Details Emerge in Mystery of Bronze Apollo Held by Hamas
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-02-10/new-details-emerge-in-mystery-of-bronze-apollo-statue-held-by-hamas-in-gaza
Why Not? After all, the zebras in the Gaza Zoo are actually donkeys with stripes painted on them. :-)
The troglodytes are really going to have to work to behead this one.
It occurred to me that, since the article mentioned a long sojourn there by Hadrian, that this might be Antinous, but I guess not.
http://www.shafe.co.uk/crystal/images/lshafe/Antinoos.jpg
http://jeannedepompadour.blogspot.com/2013/03/ancient-roman-hairstyles-and_5.html
Jheri Curl in Ancient Rome!
Who woulda thunk it?
Whatever it is I’m glad they are selling it. Get it out of that islamist hell-hole before some fanatic destroys it.
WOW! What a treasure!
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