Bronze horse
The bronze statuette of a horse is emblematic of Geometric art: the powerful hind legs, the muzzle, the arched mane, and the pricked ears are disproportionately emphasized, while the extension of the tail all the way to the rectangular base adds stability to the sculpture. The eyes are indicated by small projections.
Decorated base-plates—with perforated or relief geometric patterns—are typical of such statuettes during the later part of the eighth century BCE. This feature served as a stand but might also have been used as some kind of early stamp or seal.
All over the Greek world, Geometric bronze horse statuettes have been found at sanctuaries in great quantities, where they were deposited as votive offerings to the gods. Though other animals, and more rarely humans, were also represented, horses largely outnumber all other types of solid cast statuettes. Ownership of horses was a status symbol for aristocrats, who used these animals in warfare and in the competitive sphere of horse and chariot races, often held at sanctuaries.
Decorated base-plates—with perforated or relief geometric patterns—are typical of such statuettes during the later part of the eighth century BCE. This feature served as a stand but might also have been used as some kind of early stamp or seal.
All over the Greek world, Geometric bronze horse statuettes have been found at sanctuaries in great quantities, where they were deposited as votive offerings to the gods. Though other animals, and more rarely humans, were also represented, horses largely outnumber all other types of solid cast statuettes. Ownership of horses was a status symbol for aristocrats, who used these animals in warfare and in the competitive sphere of horse and chariot races, often held at sanctuaries.
Artwork Details
- Title: Bronze horse
- Period: Late Geometric
- Date: 750–725 BCE
- Culture: Greek
- Medium: Bronze
- Dimensions: Overall: 3 15/16 x 2 7/16 in. (10 x 6.2 cm)
- Classification: Bronzes
- Credit Line: Gift of H. L. Bache Foundation, 1969
- Object Number: 69.61.2
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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Greek
ca. 480–460 BCE
Greek
late 2nd–1st century BCE
Greek, Corinthian ?
8th century BCE
Greek
3rd–2nd century BCE
Greek
ca. 750 BCE
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