Horse with Incised Mane

This bronze figurine represents a horse. The horse resembles many other Geometric horses, which were the most common type. Though the vast majority of Geometric figurines trend towards the abstract, the particularity of this object also demonstrates an increasing interest in motion. Its front and hind legs are slightly bent, allowing the horse to “gallop.” Though its body is mostly smooth, the horse’s mane is indicated by a series of short, incised lines in a chevron pattern; zig-zag patterns are inscribed on each cheek. The small eyes of the horse no longer survive, but they would have once been inlaid with another, possibly luxurious, material.

This object would have likely been a votive offering at a sanctuary. Though geometric votives vary in what they depict, representations of horses were the most common. Horses were status symbols in Geometric Greece, as they not only required extensive land, but were also used in both warfare and in chariot races, which commonly took place at sanctuaries. 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.

Mr. E. S. David, Long Island City, New York [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1954, by purchase.