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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1995.151
Title
Bull Figurine on Base
Classification
Sculpture
Work Type
statuette, sculpture
Date
6th century BCE or modern
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World
Period
Archaic period
Culture
Greek
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/304334

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Leaded bronze
Technique
Cast, lost-wax process
Dimensions
5.9 x 3.4 x 2.9 cm (2 5/16 x 1 5/16 x 1 1/8 in.)
Technical Details

Chemical Composition: ICP-MS/AAA data from sample, Leaded Bronze:
Cu, 90.05; Sn, 6.82; Pb, 2.66; Zn, 0.005; Fe, 0.14; Ni, 0.05; Ag, 0.04; Sb, 0.22; As, less than 0.10; Bi, less than 0.025; Co, 0.01; Au, less than 0.01; Cd, less than 0.001
J. Riederer

Technical Observations: The bull was cast in one piece, probably by the lost-wax technique. Losses and deformations have occurred to the flat base on which it stands; otherwise the bull is largely intact, although with poorly preserved surface detail. The even blackish-brown patina appears to be modern or possibly a repatinated surface after stripping.


Carol Snow (submitted 2002)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Jerome M. Eisenberg, gift; to, Harvard University Art Museums, 1995.
Said to be ex collection of Sophie Schliemann, wife of Heinrich Schliemann.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Jerome M. Eisenberg
Accession Year
1995
Object Number
1995.151
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Published Catalogue Text: Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Bronzes at the Harvard Art Museums
A small, stocky bull stands squarely upon a thin rectangular base with which it was cast. Its barrel-shaped body is supported by front and hind legs whose upper muscular definition is stylized and marked with ridges at the front of the hindquarters and the back of the forequarters. A small tail hangs downward, curving inward slightly. The bull’s head extends horizontally forward. It is marked at the top by a raised ridge of hair, incised with cross-hatching. The stubs of both horns are visible, projecting outward above small tab-like ears. The muzzle extends vertically downward. A pronounced dewlap runs from under the chin to the top of the forelegs. The front hooves and right back hoof project forward and are marked by horizontal grooves below the shafts of the legs. The genitalia are prominent.

The rectangular base is missing its front edge. The back edge has been bent and curved upward. A perforation is visible in the break at the right rear corner of the base; a second perforation occurs behind the left front leg. The edge of a third perforation appears in the left edge of the break at the front of the base. Six round or oval pits mark the middle section of the base, extending to just in front of the left rear leg.

The surface of the bull itself appears uniformly shiny. It is unclear whether this is a result of drastic stripping of corrosion products from the surface followed by repatination, or if the object is a modern piece (see Technical Observations). Stylistically, it is consistent with other votive statuettes of bulls from the second half of the sixth century or the early fifth century BCE. Nevertheless, the possibility that this is a modern object cannot be ruled out.

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