Greek Boeotian Terracotta Horse

Circa 650-550 BC

Description:  Well modeled Archaic Greek terracotta horse of fine-grained buff-colored clay from the central Greek region of Boeotia.  Boeotia, and its largest city, Thebes, plays a major role in ancient Greek history including its mythology (birthplace of Dionysos, home of Oedipus), literature (Pindar and Hesiod were Boeotians), and military engagements (prominent roles in the Persian invasion, the Corinthian War, and the Peloponnesian War. The horse is central to the history of Boeotia and is widely reflected in its art.  The present example, in an alert stance with an added tuft of clay used as the forelock on the mane, was likely affixed to the lid of a vessel in antiquity.  

Height:   4 in (10 cm) 

Condition:  Intact as shown with restoration to left leg and tail, and minor chips to forelock and tips of ears. Remains of the original black glaze substantially cover the figure and the striped lines indicating its mane are also visible.  

Provenance:  Formerly the property of a Midwestern USA collection which was partly acquired by the Toledo Museum of Art in the early part of the 21st century. 

Reference:  See Archaic Terracottas of Boeotia by Miklos Szabo (Italy 1994), #32, and Catalogue of Terracottas in the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities of the British Museum, Volume I (London 1954) for related examples. 

Price:  SOLD