Bull

This small bronze figurine represents a bull. Though the central portion of the bull, narrow and cylindrical, is similar to many other Geometric bronze figurines, its head and limbs are articulated with greater naturalistic detail. The head is long and cylindrical with a slight cut to indicate the mouth; eyes are indicated by course lumps. The bull’s horns, pointing forward, are long and sharp. Its neck is thick and flat, separated from the forelegs by a straight, diagonal cut. Joints jut out of the bulls’ thick legs.

This object would have likely served as a votive offering at a Greek sanctuary. Many other similar bulls have been found at Olympia. Bulls were status symbols in Geometric Greece and indicated strength and virility. 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.

Elie Borowski, Basel [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1953, by purchase.