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LOT 0041A

Realistic Roman Marble Horse Head

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**Holiday Shipping Deadlines**
USA Domestic: 12/14 for Standard; 12/23 for Express; International: 12/7 for Standard; 12/19 for Express

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A handsome, lifelike marble head of a horse, carved in the round and depicted in profile. Our gaze is immediately drawn to the horse's curly mane and the lifelike contours of the equine's cheeks as well as the modeling of his eyes and snout. The details are captured so skillfully; just look at the naturalistic open mouth, revealing teeth and tongue - these together with the flaring nostrils suggest that the horse is neighing. A wonderful rendering of an expressive noble steed. Size: 5.5" W x 4.75" H (14 cm x 12.1 cm); 6.625" H (16.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Marble sculptures are some of our enduring images from the Roman world, demonstrating what Romans most valued and their debt to Greek sculptors before them. Horse symbolized power and military prowess, the god Neptune, as well as the Roman legions, and horses were a frequent subject of marble sculptors. In addition, these animals also inspired love amongst Romans. For example, the horses of Roman Algeria were renowned, and citizens were passionate about chariot races and hunting. One mosaic found there portrays a race horse with the words, "Win or lose, we love you, Polidoxus." Another famous example comes from Emperor Caligula (r. 37 to 41 CE), who is said to have loved his horse to the point of parody - although modern historians believe that the wild stories about his devotion to Incitatus are the result of Caligula's own humorous quips and Roman chroniclers wishing to portray the emperor as insane. The cavalry rode horses in parades and on battlefields and transported elite citizens when they hunted or traveled. Perhaps this handsome horse's head was part of a memorial honoring these activities.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-private Texas, USA collection, acquired in the 1990s

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.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#148388
Condition Report: A fragment from a larger sculpture, but quite nice with a strong representation. Losses to snout, ears, and other high pointed areas. Surface wear and abraded areas as shown. Scattered mineral deposits.

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Time, Location
12 Dec 2019
USA, Louisville, KY
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[ translate ]

**Holiday Shipping Deadlines**
USA Domestic: 12/14 for Standard; 12/23 for Express; International: 12/7 for Standard; 12/19 for Express

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A handsome, lifelike marble head of a horse, carved in the round and depicted in profile. Our gaze is immediately drawn to the horse's curly mane and the lifelike contours of the equine's cheeks as well as the modeling of his eyes and snout. The details are captured so skillfully; just look at the naturalistic open mouth, revealing teeth and tongue - these together with the flaring nostrils suggest that the horse is neighing. A wonderful rendering of an expressive noble steed. Size: 5.5" W x 4.75" H (14 cm x 12.1 cm); 6.625" H (16.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Marble sculptures are some of our enduring images from the Roman world, demonstrating what Romans most valued and their debt to Greek sculptors before them. Horse symbolized power and military prowess, the god Neptune, as well as the Roman legions, and horses were a frequent subject of marble sculptors. In addition, these animals also inspired love amongst Romans. For example, the horses of Roman Algeria were renowned, and citizens were passionate about chariot races and hunting. One mosaic found there portrays a race horse with the words, "Win or lose, we love you, Polidoxus." Another famous example comes from Emperor Caligula (r. 37 to 41 CE), who is said to have loved his horse to the point of parody - although modern historians believe that the wild stories about his devotion to Incitatus are the result of Caligula's own humorous quips and Roman chroniclers wishing to portray the emperor as insane. The cavalry rode horses in parades and on battlefields and transported elite citizens when they hunted or traveled. Perhaps this handsome horse's head was part of a memorial honoring these activities.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-private Texas, USA collection, acquired in the 1990s

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.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#148388
Condition Report: A fragment from a larger sculpture, but quite nice with a strong representation. Losses to snout, ears, and other high pointed areas. Surface wear and abraded areas as shown. Scattered mineral deposits.

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Estimate
Unlock
Time, Location
12 Dec 2019
USA, Louisville, KY
Auction House
Unlock