Subasta Bidspirit | Greek horse head

Greek horse head - ITEM: Horse head MATERIAL: Bronze CULTURE: Greek, Archaic period PERIOD: 7th - 6th Century B.C DIMENSIONS: 23 mm x 38 mm x 11 mm CONDITION: Good condition PROVENANCE: Ex Dutch private collection, acquired between 1980 - 1990 Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice. The horse head motif was a prominent and revered symbol in Greek art during the Archaic Period, reflecting the importance of horses in Greek society and culture. Horses were symbols of wealth, power, and status, as only the elite could afford to own, care for, and breed these animals. They played an essential role in warfare, transportation, and competitive sports, particularly in chariot racing, which became a prestigious event in Greek games. During the Archaic Period, from around 800 to 480 BCE, depictions of horse heads began to appear in various art forms, including pottery, sculptures, and decorative elements, symbolizing the power and nobility associated with the horse and its rider. Sculptural representations of horse heads from this period often reveal the evolving style of Archaic Greek art, which combined stylized forms with increasing naturalism. Horse head sculptures and reliefs from the Archaic Period typically display a strong sense of geometric balance, with rounded, well-defined contours that emphasize the animal's nobility and strength. These sculptures often feature detailed treatment of the mane, eyes, and muzzle, while maintaining a sense of idealized symmetry characteristic of the Archaic aesthetic. Some horse head sculptures served as votive offerings in sanctuaries, particularly in sites dedicated to gods associated with horses and chariots, like Poseidon. Such pieces were crafted to honor deities, secure favor in competitions, or express gratitude, showcasing the horse's sacred and esteemed status.