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Bronze statuette of a rider wearing an elephant skin

3rd century BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 163
As Alexander the Great is represented with a similar elephant skin on coins minted by Ptolemy I of Egypt, this statuette may represent Alexander as ruler of Egypt. This figure has also been identified as Demetrios I of Bactria, who is represented on coins wearing the scalp of an elephant in recognition of his conquests in India. Its monumental quality may signify that it reflects a famous large-scale equestrian statue.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bronze statuette of a rider wearing an elephant skin
  • Period: Hellenistic
  • Date: 3rd century BCE
  • Culture: Greek
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: 9 3/4in. (24.8cm)
  • Classification: Bronzes
  • Credit Line: Edith Perry Chapman Fund, 1955
  • Object Number: 55.11.11
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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