Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A symmetrical cast-bronze bull head with a pair of lateral loops and a twin-ringed suspension hinge for guiding the reins of a chariot. Light incisions denote a harness strap over the animal's snout as well as a small cross between the eyes. The beast's visage presents almond-shaped eyes with concentric pupils, stylized nostrils and mouth, two perky ears, and a pair of sharpened horns curving proudly above a rolling brow. A third, rectangular strap loop is situated behind the horns. Bulls 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 and furniture, etc. They celebrated the religious practice of sacrificing bulls as offerings to the gods. Brown patina covers most surfaces with small areas of green patina as well. Size: 3.125" W x 2.7" H (7.9 cm x 6.9 cm).

Provenance: private Davis collection, Houston, Texas, USA; ex-Bonham's London Antiquities Auction, 8 May, 2013, lot 93; ex-Aldo Branca collection, Ascona, Switzerland, acquired between the 1960s and 1980s

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#132987

  • Condition: Age-commensurate surface wear, fading to some molded and incised details, minor nicks to rein rings, ears, horns, and snout, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen deposits within hollow verso, and great brown and green patina throughout.

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April 26, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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