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Details
LOT 2025
Iberian Bronze Bull Statuette
3RD-1ST CENTURY B.C.
2 1/8 in. (48.6 grams, 54 mm long).
Modelled as a bridled and saddled bull, naturalistically rendered with well-defined facial planes, lending a vivid and expressive character to the figure; the edge of the saddle adorned with a delicate row of incised circles, broad hollowed out hooves.
Provenance
Frank Sternberg collection, Zurich, 1980s.
Private collection, acquired from Frank Sternberg in 1992.
Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss register certificate, dated 29 March 2004.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12729-234223.
Literature
See Hibbs, V., Antiquities from the Collection of Leon Levy and Shelby White, The Spanish Institute, New York, 1993; Tarradell, M., Iberian Art, New York, 1968.
Footnotes
The statuette likely served as a votive offering (ex-voto) at a sanctuary or temple, and closely parallels numerous Iberian examples recovered from sacred sites in Alicante, Valencia, and particularly in Andalusia. In Iberian culture, the bull was a potent symbol of strength, virility, and martial power—frequently associated with warrior deities. The inclusion of a saddle and bridle suggests domestication, and it is plausible that such animals, being more docile than horses, may have been ridden or equipped in ritual or ceremonial contexts.
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LOT 2025
Iberian Bronze Bull Statuette
Estimate £1,500 - 2,000€1,740 - 2,320 (for guidance only)$2,030 - 2,700 (for guidance only)
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Iberian Bronze Bull Statuette
3rd-1st century B.C.Estimate: £1,500 - 2,000 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £833
Modelled as a bridled and saddled bull, naturalistically rendered with well-defined facial planes, lending a vivid and expressive character to the figure; the edge of the saddle adorned with a delicate row of incised circles, broad hollowed out hooves. 48.6 grams, 54 mm long
Frank Sternberg collection, Zurich, 1980s. Private collection, acquired from Frank Sternberg in 1992. Accompanied by a copy of an Art Loss register certificate, dated 29 March 2004. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12729-234223.
The statuette likely served as a votive offering (ex-voto) at a sanctuary or temple, and closely parallels numerous Iberian examples recovered from sacred sites in Alicante, Valencia, and particularly in Andalusia. In Iberian culture, the bull was a potent symbol of strength, virility, and martial power—frequently associated with warrior deities. The inclusion of a saddle and bridle suggests domestication, and it is plausible that such animals, being more docile than horses, may have been ridden or equipped in ritual or ceremonial contexts.
