SculptureNear Eastern3rd millennium BCE

Bull Standard

25th-24th century BCE

Description

This thin bull stands with its feet pressed together on top of a small base. The animal has a long, thin torso; its upper fore- and hindlimbs are comparatively muscular. There is a raised ridge, indicating the spine, that runs from the neck, down the back, to the slight nub of a tail. The neck curves markedly to the left, while the body leans to the right. The head is simple, with little detail visible; bulges for the eyes and ears are apparent. The elongated muzzle flares at the end, and there is a semi-circular incision to indicate the opening of the mouth. It has two, long curving horns, now bent to cross each other.

Classification

Sculpture

Technique

Cast, lost-wax process

Medium

Arsenical copper

Culture

Near Eastern

Period

Bronze Age, Early

Century

3rd millennium BCE

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Ancient and Byzantine Art & Numismatics

Dimensions

16.2 cm (6 3/8 in.)

Provenance

Formerly in the possession of Richard R. Wagner, west Barnstable, Massachusetts, who sold it to Selim Dere of Fortuna Galleries, New York. Selim Dere sold it Dr. Mildenberg. Wagner did most of his collecting in the 1960s.