Graeco-Roman Horse-Head Finial

1ST-2ND CENTURY AD

5 1/2" (557 grams, 14cm).

A bronze horse-head with open mouth and ruffled mane emerging from the centre of a lily; mounted on a custom-made stand. Accompanied by an Art Loss Register certificate.

Provenance

Ex Gorny and Mosch, 18th December 2013, lot 310.

Footnotes

Possibly a fitting from a piece of furniture this horse head displays the same dynamism and realistic energy as the famous statues of horses that stand over the entrance to Saint Mark's in Venice. The horses from Saint Mark's are attributed to the famous sculptor Lysippos who created them in the fourth century BC. Such was the fame of the horses in antiquity that they appear to have influenced many later Roman artists. This would indeed appear to be the case with this piece, which can be described as a minor masterpiece of bronze sculpture.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process

AUCTIONS:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 0017

Graeco-Roman Horse-Head Finial

Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,960

Print page

RELATED LOTS

GREEK POLYCHROME AMPHORA WITH VINE LEAVES
5th-3rd century BC
Lot No. 0038 Opening bid: £360

GREEK APULIAN BICHROME DISH WITH HANDLE
4th century BC
Lot No. 0039
Sold for (Inc. premium): £149

IRON AGE CYPRIOT TRUMPET-MOUTH JUG
1st millennium BC
Lot No. 0056 Opening bid: £450