Bronze statuette of a bull

Unknown

ca. 2nd century CE · Bronze · Greek and Roman Art

The bull was a powerful symbol in many ancient religions, none more so than in that of Egypt, where the animal was worshipped as the god Apis. The Romans found it easier to accept the Apis bull than some of the more exotic deities of the Egyptian pantheon, like the ibis-headed god Thoth or the jackal-headed Anubis, and they ridiculed Egyptians as worshippers of animals such as cats and crocodiles.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 2nd century CE

Medium

Bronze

Culture

Roman

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1940