Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A handsome, lifelike marble head of a horse, carved in relief. This horse is captured in a dynamic and energetic pose with the head turned in profile - the ears pulled back, the eyes wide, flared nostrils, and slightly parted lips revealing teeth. The horse wears a bridle and has a close-cropped mane, suggesting a rider or chariot was depicted in the rest of the carving. The details are skillfully executed with attention to the musculature of cheeks and eye. The verso is flat, perhaps this horse was once part of a relief of triumph or militaristic scene. Size: 7.2" L x 1.5" W x 4.5" H (18.3 cm x 3.8 cm x 11.4 cm); 8.8" H (22.4 cm) on included custom stand.
Horses symbolized power and military prowess and were a frequent subject of marble sculptors and relief scenes. The cavalry rode horses in parades and on battlefields and transported elite citizens when they hunted or traveled. Perhaps this handsome horse's head was part of a triumph panel honoring these activities.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#172727
Condition
A fragment from a larger relief as shown. Abrasions to high pointed areas: ears, nose, and mane. Surface wear and mineral encrustations. Overall nice preservation to details.