Horse

This horse, though badly eroded, is an excellent example of Geometric Greek art. The neck and mane of the horse are thin and flat, taking the shape of a single arc radiating from the body of the animal to its muzzle. The tiny head is rather detailed, with the animal’s curved ears merging with its jawbone. Here, the horse opens its mouth. The body of the horse is narrow and cylindrical; it has a distinct phallus and long, straight legs.

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.

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