Lot 131
Roman, imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A finely cast Roman leaded bronze statuette depicting a nude male horse rider, rendered in a dynamic striding pose. The figure is anatomically detailed, with defined musculature and naturalistic proportions. On his back rests a cylindrical quiver, identifying him with martial or hunting pursuits, while atop his head sits a circular disc, perhaps a solar emblem or divine attribute. His left hand holds an object resembling a cluster of grapes or leaves, an attribute suggestive of Dionysian associations, fertility, and the abundance of nature. Though no mount is preserved, his wide stance and slightly bent knees indicate he once straddled a horse, making this a rare survival of equestrian figural art in miniature form. The combination of quiver, disc, and grape cluster is intriguing, merging martial and Dionysian elements in a single figure, possibly pointing toward a syncretic deity or local cult expression within the Roman provinces. Size: 1.1" W x 2.6" H (2.8 cm x 6.6 cm)
The statuette's dark patina, softened by age, underscores its antiquity. Figures of this scale and type were often votive offerings, intended to invoke divine protection, prosperity, or success in hunting and warfare. The craftsmanship and unusual blending of attributes set this example apart, marking it as both a devotional object and a small-scale work of art.
Provenance: private Dayton, Maryland, USA collection; ex-private F. B. collection, Maryland, USA, acquired between 1990 to 2010
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#197312
- Condition: Missing proper right hand. Weathering to surface with nicks and abrasions commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with liberal remaining detail and great patina.
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