Description:
A hand-modelled and stylised statuette of a horse and rider. Although in these depictions the rider usually "merges" with the horse, he is thought to be sitting astride on the back of the animal. He seems to be clutching its long neck, but a painted line on the side of the animal's head may in fact indicate that he is holding the reins. The details of the horse's eyes and mane, as well as the harness of the animal are painted in red, as are decorative bands along the body and legs.
Dating:
Greece, Boeotia, 6th century B.C.
Size:
Height circa 13 cm., length circa 13 cm.
Provenance:
Collection of Christian Rolle, agricultural engineer and irrigation specialist in Egypt, circa 1945; with Arcane Enchères, Paris, Vente d'Archéologie, 10 June 2017, lot 156; French private collection O.M., acquired from the above; thereafter Galerie Tarantino, Paris.
Condition:
Paint worn in places. The object was cleaned by the conservator of Atelier Bresson; slip worn in places; the tail of the horse has been reglued, according to Bresson using a glue which indicates that the repair was done in the 19th or early 20th century; later, circa 1960-1970, the glue used lost its adhesive properties and at that moment the tail was reglued again with a more recent adhesive.
Price:
€ 2,800
Stock number:
C1338