Terracotta statuette of a horse

Unknown

early 8th century BCE · Terracotta, painted · Greek and Roman Art

In ancient Greece, horses were a reflection of status and wealth. They were expensive to maintain, requiring extensive land and upkeep. Thus, statuettes of horses were common dedications in sanctuaries, especially in the Geometric period. They appear in both terracotta and bronze, and in various forms. Some terracotta horse statuettes were dedicated individually, while others were attached to the lids of pyxides (boxes) as handles. The treatment of the feet of this horse makes it likely that the piece was freestanding.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 8th century BCE

Medium

Terracotta, painted

Culture

Cypriot

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian, 2020