Wolf with Prey

This small bronze object represents a wolf carrying a small animal, perhaps a lamb, in its mouth. The wolf is rendered in an abstract manner, characteristic of Geometric Greek art. Its body is narrow and cylindrical; its hindquarters form large arcs and its front legs are slightly curved. The bronze is mostly smooth, but there are incised lines at the neck and waist. There are also markings on the ears, muzzle, and tail. The wolf’s prey is abstract but might be a lamb based on comparisons with other, more detailed examples. The wolf stands on a base perforated with holes. Decorated base plates, common during the later part of the eighth century BCE, served as stands but could have also been used as some kind of early stamp or seal.

This object would have likely served as a votive offering at a Greek 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.

Elie Borowski, Basel, [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1955, by puchase.