Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A cast-bronze figurine of a bull with a stocky body and a curled tail supported by a quartet of slender legs. The raised head bears impressed eyes behind a tapered snout as well as a pair of curved horns projecting from its temples. Fine layers of green and brown patina cover the entire bull and imbue it with a wondrous presentation. The symbolism of the bull has a significant history throughout the ancient world. Bulls were central to the Roman cult of Mithras with their central tenant of tauroctony, the sacred slaying of the bull. This figurine may have been placed on a personal altar or been given as an offering at a temple devoted to Mithras. Size: 1.875" L x 1.4" H (4.8 cm x 3.6 cm)

Provenance: ex-estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, acquired before 2000

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#158628

  • Condition: Minor abrasions and pitting to some surfaces, otherwise intact and excellent. Fabulous patina throughout.

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January 7, 2021 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000