Early Cycladic Marble Idol Spedos Type, ex-Sotheby's

Ancient Greece, Early Cycladic II, Keros–Syros Culture, circa 2700–2300 BCE. Carved from fine-grained island marble, the figure with folded arms beneath the chest, an elongated neck, and a gently tilted head. Beautifully proportioned, carved in the canonical Spedos-type style. The figure stands with arms folded across the chest, the right arm beneath the left, a hallmark of Cycladic sculpture conventions.

The form is abstracted, with the head tilted slightly backward, the torso and legs rendered in smooth planes, and the pubic triangle subtly incised. The figure’s elegance lies in its geometric purity — the essence of human form distilled to its most elemental lines. The surface shows weathering and granular texture, typical of long-term burial or exposure, yet the contours remain crisp and balanced. Mounted on a modern museum base for display. Size: 2.4" W x 9.75" H (6.1 cm x 24.8 cm); 10.35" H (26.3 cm) on included custom stand.

This piece is accompanied by a copy of the Art Loss Register Report (no. S00108630) as well as a CIRAM Scientific report (no. 0717-OA-52N-8) - analysis and report performed by Dr. Olivier Bobin, New York, September 25, 2017.

See a stylistically similar female Late Spedos Type with folded arms in the Getty Museum - object number 88.AA.80

This piece has exceptional provenance. The earlier collector was Dr. Charles Alexander Best (husband of Laurie MacTavish Best, noted in the Art Loss Register document as "Tavish Best"), a member of the Canadian Parliament and son of Dr. Charles Herbert Best - one of the co-discoverers of insulin. The younger Dr. Best, known as Sandy, grew up inspired by his parents, whose travels around the world enabled them to visit institutions and collections such as the British Museum and Bridgewater House in London, National Gallery in Washington, DC, and many others. Charles Herbert, Charley, and Margaret eventually developed their own collection consisting of "Canadian, American, and Australian works." An Egyptian Old Kingdom limestone relief from their collection passed through Bonhams London in 2014. A gifted painter in his own right, a pianist and violinist, Dr. C. A. Best followed in his parents' footsteps, perhaps on a broader scale - also collecting antiquities. An Egyptian bronze bull from the Dr. C. A. Best collection was auctioned off by Christie's New York, East in 1995.

Sandy's younger brother Dr. Henry Bruce Macleod Best (1934 – 2004) published an intimate account of his parents’ lives, including extensive information about his artistically gifted brother and his families. It tells the story of groundbreaking achievement and of a close-knit family. The father, Dr. C. H. Best, passed away one week after Sandy in 1978, and Henry followed in 2004 - one year after publishing the book: "Margaret and Charley: The Personal Story of Dr. Charles Best, the Co-Discoverer of Insulin" - June 1, 2003, Henry B.M. Best.

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Item #199039

Overall excellent condition. Head, torso, and legs well-preserved; Minor surface encrustation and small abrasions consistent with age; Some expected weathering on extremities; No modern restoration detected.