Description:

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 5th century CE. A beautiful and skillfully mold-made pottery protome of a bull, naturalistically modeled with upward curving horns, projecting ears, heavy lidded eyes, a well-defined muzzle, nostrils, and mouth. Additionally the detailing of the fur and even the wrinkles of flesh around the nose and neck are very fine. Traces of white pigment remain as well. The bull has a significant history in the ancient world, with representations from every culture, from the Minoans, to the Egyptians, and to the Greeks and Romans. In ancient Roman society, the bull was not only a symbol of power and virility, but also central to the Roman's cult of Mithras with their central tenant of tauroctony, the sacred slaying of the bull. Size: 5.5" W x 5.25" H (14 cm x 13.3 cm); 7.25" H (18.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#140465

  • Condition: Expected surface wear commensurate with age, but nice traces of white pigment remain. Earthen and mineral deposits grace the surface as well. Three perforations at the top, two used to fit to stand.

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

Artemis Fine Arts

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