Greece
5th century BC
Marble
Height: 4 in (10.2 cm), Width: 4¾ in (12.1 cm)
Provenance: Parnell New Zealand Trade, prior to 2000
The representation of the horse in Greek sculpture reached its fullest expression during the Classical period, when sculptors working in marble developed a naturalistic vocabulary for rendering the animal's musculature, expression, and movement. Horse heads of this type were produced as components of larger votive, funerary, or architectural programs, and fragments have survived in considerable numbers from sanctuary and burial contexts across the Greek world. The fifth century BC marks a period of particular refinement in the handling of animal subjects in stone.
This fragment preserves the upper portion of a horse's head with the eye, brow, and muzzle rendered with controlled sensitivity. The surface retains a warm ivory tone consistent with aged Greek island or Pentelic marble, and the carving demonstrates the assured economy of line characteristic of Classical workshop production. The piece was acquired through the New Zealand antiquities trade prior to 2000, placing it within an established pre-restriction collecting context.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Greece
5th century BC
Marble
Height: 4 in (10.2 cm), Width: 4¾ in (12.1 cm)
Provenance: Parnell New Zealand Trade, prior to 2000
The representation of the horse in Greek sculpture reached its fullest expression during the Classical period, when sculptors working in marble developed a naturalistic vocabulary for rendering the animal's musculature, expression, and movement. Horse heads of this type were produced as components of larger votive, funerary, or architectural programs, and fragments have survived in considerable numbers from sanctuary and burial contexts across the Greek world. The fifth century BC marks a period of particular refinement in the handling of animal subjects in stone.
This fragment preserves the upper portion of a horse's head with the eye, brow, and muzzle rendered with controlled sensitivity. The surface retains a warm ivory tone consistent with aged Greek island or Pentelic marble, and the carving demonstrates the assured economy of line characteristic of Classical workshop production. The piece was acquired through the New Zealand antiquities trade prior to 2000, placing it within an established pre-restriction collecting context.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
