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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1920.44.261
Title
Bull
Classification
Sculpture
Work Type
statuette, sculpture
Date
6th century BCE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Europe
Period
Archaic period
Culture
Greek
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/303988

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Bronze
Technique
Cast, lost-wax process
Dimensions
2.2 x 4.3 x 1.9 cm (7/8 x 1 11/16 x 3/4 in.)
Technical Details

Chemical Composition: ICP-MS/AAA data from sample, Bronze:
Cu, 89.78; Sn, 9.65; Pb, 0.21; Zn, 0.03; Fe, 0.25; Ni, 0.04; Ag, 0.03; Sb, less than 0.02; As, less than 0.10; Bi, less than 0.025; Co, 0.013; Au, less than 0.01; Cd, less than 0.001

J. Riederer

Technical Observations: The bull is a solid cast. Its heavily corroded condition has caused loss of surface detail. The back proper right leg is missing. The patina is pale green with patches of brownish-red cuprite.


Carol Snow (submitted 2002)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Miss Elizabeth Gaskell Norton, Boston, MA and Miss Margaret Norton, Cambridge, MA (by 1920), gift; to the Fogg Art Museum, 1920.

Note: The Misses Norton were daughters of Charles Elliot Norton (1827-1908).

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of the Misses Norton
Accession Year
1920
Object Number
1920.44.261
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Published Catalogue Text: Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Bronzes at the Harvard Art Museums
This little bull has short legs that are oriented diagonally away from the body. The right rear leg is broken off at the haunch. The rear haunches are modeled, their forward sides set off by a raised ridge. A narrow relief ridge hangs down the rear side of the right haunch, probably representing the tail. The genitalia are modeled. The bull’s massive dewlap swells along the neck under his chin and muzzle. His ears appear behind the short horns. Slight raised protuberances form the eyes, and his flat muzzle bears two punctate nostrils above a horizontal mouth.

David G. Mitten

Subjects and Contexts

  • Ancient Bronzes

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