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Bronze mare and foal

late 8th century BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 151
Here, a mare is nursing her foal in a less austere manner when compared to other artworks of the period. The body parts are cylindrical and rubbery with minimal articulation. The figurines are fixed on a rectangular plinth with three rows of triangles pierced straight through. Aesthetically, this elongated base significantly influences the three-dimensional effect of the piece. Such bases with openwork (perhaps used as stamps) appeared after the middle of the 8th century BCE and disappeared towards the end of the Geometric period.


Thousands of early bronze horses were found in most sanctuaries of ancient Greece, especially in Olympia. They served primarily as personal offerings to the gods.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bronze mare and foal
  • Period: Late Geometric
  • Date: late 8th century BCE
  • Culture: Greek
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: Overall: 3 7/8 x 2 1/4 x 4 3/4in. (9.8 x 5.7 x 12.1cm)
  • Classification: Bronzes
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Frederick M. Stafford, in memory of Mr. Frederick M. Stafford, 1999
  • Object Number: 1999.526
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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