Rare Canosan Polychrome Terracotta Horse w/ TL

Magna Graecia, Southern Italy, Apulia, Greek colony of Canosa, ca. 4th to 3rd century BCE. A dynamic sculpture of a rearing horse presenting with both hind hooves on the ground as the front legs are bent with hooves slightly lifted, as though mid-gallop as he trots forward. The mold-made figure is impressively naturalistic, not only due to its vivacious stance, but also as a result of the artist's careful attention to detail, as evident in his slender body, muscular legs, detailed snout, and intricately incised mane and tail. As is customary with Canosan pottery, the artist embellished the form with liberal fugitive pigments. The equine's body is painted white with brown hooves, a blue and pink bridle, a red mouth, a brown mane, and a brown tail. Size: 10.25" L x 3.875" W x 6.875" H (26 cm x 9.8 cm x 17.5 cm); 8.75" H (22.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Horses were special subjects for ancient Greek artisans, because they indicated wealth to the Greeks of this period. Such statues were oftentimes left as votive burial offerings most likely to reinforce the elite status of the deceased.

Canosa, or Canosion as it was known then, was a major center of the ceramics and pottery trade when it was a Greek polis. It produced truly unique pottery, completely different in decoration style (although not in shape) from earlier and neighboring traditions. The clay is buff, with the decoration applied directly to it without the use of slip. The entire body was covered with white slip, with a second ground of pink color applied selectively to the background.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: ex-Edgar L. Owen, Ltd., Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, USA, acquired January 2000; ex-Harmer Rooke Gallery, New York, New York, USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

#162611
Condition Report: TL holes under head and belly. Vertical drill hole through flank. Repaired from several pieces with break lines visible. Missing ears. Some light restoration to stabilize break lines in areas. Expected abrasions and scratches, commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with impressive remaining pigments.