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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1932.56.62
Title
Man or Actor Riding a Donkey
Classification
Sculpture
Work Type
sculpture, statuette
Date
1st century BCE-1st century CE
Period
Roman Imperial period, Early
Culture
Roman
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/292394

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Terracotta
Technique
Mold-made
Dimensions
15 × 8.4 cm (5 7/8 × 3 5/16 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Dr. Harris Kennedy, Milton, MA (by 1932), gift; to the William Hayes Fogg Art Museum, 1932.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Dr. Harris Kennedy, Class of 1894
Accession Year
1932
Object Number
1932.56.62
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
Almost complete figurine, repaired, with extensive wear on the surface.

A man, at least partly nude, riding a donkey side saddled. Bald with pointed, egg-shaped head and protruding ears (right ear missing); likely an actor or slave type. Detailed face with small, sunken eyes, a large, pointy nose, slightly parted lips, small, rounded chin, and a thick neck. Body with odd proportions; small and narrow at the upper chest, but with larger, bulging belly. Something sits in between the spread legs, likely a prosthetic phallus. The man leans with his left arm upon the neck of the donkey. His right arm falls to his side and holds something bulbous, a bag perhaps.

The donkey stands in profile, facing right. A long, horse-like face with long ears that arch up and back. It stands on a tall, uneven base.

Covered in green lead-glaze.

Hollow with open bottom. Mold-made in a single bivalve mold. Proper right side of the donkey intended as main view. Back is minimally modeled, with some indication of form down to the donkey’s trunk; plain below.

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu