Bronze ring surmounted by a ram
The ram on the ring, decorated with circles, is remarkable for its flatness, which is mitigated only by the curved horns. The precise function of this object, probably made in northern Greece, is unclear. It may have been the handle of a small tripod, since various kinds of figures embellish tripod handles, or part of a harness.
In Geometric art, animals far outnumbered human figures with horses, birds, sheep, bulls, and other quadrupeds being particularly common. Thousands of cast bronze figurines were found in most sanctuaries of ancient Greece, where they had been offered to the gods, as individual statuettes or as decorations of bigger objects.
In Geometric art, animals far outnumbered human figures with horses, birds, sheep, bulls, and other quadrupeds being particularly common. Thousands of cast bronze figurines were found in most sanctuaries of ancient Greece, where they had been offered to the gods, as individual statuettes or as decorations of bigger objects.
Artwork Details
- Title:Bronze ring surmounted by a ram
- Period:Late Geometric
- Date:ca. 750–700 BCE
- Culture:Greek
- Medium:Bronze
- Dimensions:H. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm)
diameter 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm) - Classification:Bronzes
- Credit Line:Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Henri Seyrig, 1954
- Object Number:54.137.2
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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early 6th century BCE
late 5th–early 4th century BCE
3rd quarter of the 4th century BCE
3rd quarter of the 4th century BCE
3rd–2nd century BCE
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