Half man, half horse, the centaurs were thought to inhabit remote wooded areas. In much of Greek art, they appear in combat with humans and, by implication, are the antithesis of civilized men. The classic rendering of this subject can be seen in the metopes of the Parthenon in Athens. It is, however, already fully presented in this bronze statuette. The outcome of the conflict is indicated by the end of the spear preserved in the centaur's left flank and by the greater height of the man.
From 1906, collection of J. Pierpont Morgan, purchased on the art market, Paris; acquired December 17, 1917, gift of J. Pierpont Morgan.
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Paris, Rita, Elisabetta Setari, and Nunzio Giustozzi. 2013. Mostri: Creature Fantastiche della Paura e del Mito. no. 2, p. 189, Milan: Electa.
#1441. Bronze man and centaur
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