Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A wonderful symmetrical cast bronze bull head with three loops for guiding the reins of a chariot. Incised lines give the bull small eyes and nostrils. Two inwardly-curved horns rise from the bull's head, making it look fierce and powerful. Bull heads in Roman artwork are known as Bucrania, and they were common forms of applied decoration, with the motif repeated in architectural features, on pottery, on furniture, etc. They celebrated the religious practice of sacrificing bulls as offerings to the gods. Size: 3.45" W x 4.4" H (8.8 cm x 11.2 cm); 4.95" H (12.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Roman chariots were not used for warfare, but instead in circuses and in triumphal processions. As a result, elaborately detailed fittings like this one became de rigeur, lending a unique look to each chariot. Imagine the sun flashing off of the dark, polished bronze of this piece, dazzling viewers and riders alike!

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#139010

  • Condition: Intact, with a mottled green-grey patina and light encrustations on surface.

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November 8, 2018 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
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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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000