Western Asiatic Bronze Statuette of a Levantine Cavalryman

7TH-4TH CENTURY B.C.

3 1/2 in. (140 grams, 88 mm wide).

Modelled in the round figurine of a sturdy horse with saddlecloth and chest-band, bridle and reins, integral rider wearing a Phrygian helmet.

Provenance

Formerly in a private collection, Beirut, Lebanon, 1990s.
Swiss private collection, acquired from Mr H., Geneva, 2010.

Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13178-249181.

Literature

Cf. similar rider in terracotta from the Cypriot collections of the MET, accession no.74.51.1664, and other images of cavalrymen in Karageorghis, V., Merker, G.S., Mertens, J.R., The Cesnola collection of Cypriot Art, Terracottas, New York, 2016, no.280, p.165, and also no.106; for the style of the cavalryman and his equipment see Cassin Scott, J., The Greek and Persian Wars 500-323 B.C., London, 1977.

Footnotes

The figure possibly represents a Phrygian cavalryman of the Persian Achaemenid army. It shows minute details of the harness, with muzzle and snaffle bit, which suggest Assyrian or Syrian in origin. The transversal decoration of the antilina strap remembers that of the Persian cavalry of the period (Cassin Scott, 1977, plate D).

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 0274