4. Roman statuette of a bull, c.1st-2nd century AD
Bronze
Height: 4.8cm
12012
£ 3,400
Finely modelled bronze bull with the proper front right leg raised and the head turned to its right. Statuettes of this type, often showing the remains of a fitting between...
Finely modelled bronze bull with the proper front right leg raised and the head turned to its right.
Statuettes of this type, often showing the remains of a fitting between the horns, are thought to be adaptations of an Egyptian prototype and may be associated with Apis, the sacred bull of Memphis. A small section of the back left leg and the tip of the tail have broken off and been reattached.
This small but highly detailed bronze highlights the exceptional craftsmanship of Rome's renowned metallurgists.
Provenance
R.S.L. collection, London, UK; acquired prior to 2000Accompanied by letters from the relevant Greek and Italian authorities renouncing any current or future claim over this piece.
Literature
Compare an example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA object number: X.21.841
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