Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History


    • Molded horse and rider with cheetah, Seljuq period (1040–1196), 12th century
    Iran
    Stonepaste; molded in sections, monochrome painted under transparent turquoise glaze; H. 10 7/8 in. (27.6 cm), W. 3 in. (7.6 cm), D. 8 1/4 in. (21 cm)
    Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1966 (66.23)

    This figurine represents the relatively rare sculptural tradition within Islamic art. Although the function of this and other such Seljuq equestrian figures is not entirely known, they appear to portray significant personages. Here the overall symbolism conveyed is that of a warrior or hunter: the rider holds a cup, carries a short staff, and bears what appears to be a shield. The small animal seated behind the rider may be a hunting cheetah, and the hollowness of the object's upper section suggests a container-like function.

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    This work has been published in the Museum's Bulletin or Journal. These articles may or may not represent the most current scholarship.
  • Harper, Prudence Oliver, Andrew Oliver, Jr., Nora Scott and Christine Lilyquist. "Origin and Influence Cultural Contacts: Egypt, and the Ancient Near East, and the Classical World." The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, v. 29, no. 7 (March, 1971).
    JSTOR | PDF
  • Ettinghausen, Richard. "The Flowering of Seljuq Art." Metropolitan Museum Journal, Vol. 3 (1970).
    JSTOR | PDF
    • On view: Gallery 453
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    • Molded horse and rider with cheetah, Seljuq period (1040–1196), 12th century
    Iran
    Stonepaste; molded in sections, monochrome painted under transparent turquoise glaze; H. 10 7/8 in. (27.6 cm), W. 3 in. (7.6 cm), D. 8 1/4 in. (21 cm)
    Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1966 (66.23)

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