Duck

This small bronze figurine represents a waterfowl, perhaps a duck. The animal’s form is rendered relatively abstractly, as is characteristic for Geometric art. It has a rounded, boat-like body and stands firmly on two legs, which are decorated with incised horizontal lines. A loop for suspension sits atop the bird’s back, indicating that it could have been hung. It is most likely that this object would have been a votive dedication at a sanctuary. In spite of their relatively simple forms and small scale, considerable technical skill was required for the manufacture of these figurines, which most often occurred at the sanctuaries themselves. Devotees and worshippers could then purchase them on site and place them on view.

Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.

Dr. Hugo Weissmann, Boston [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1954, by purchase.