Roman Egypt

Finely modelled terracotta horse head from Roman Egypt, probably associated with the Alexandrian artistic tradition of the 1st century AD. The fully three-dimensional head was produced from two moulds and is hollow inside. Particularly striking is the powerful, almost monumental treatment of the animal. The elongated head features a strongly modelled muzzle with clearly indicated nostrils and mouth. The eyes are prominently rendered and framed by pronounced eyelids, while the mane is represented along the sides and upper part of the head. The modelling of the head, muzzle and neck conveys a muscular and lively appearance. Despite its fragmentary condition, the original sculptural quality remains clearly visible. The surviving sections also illustrate the two-part moulding technique used in its manufacture. Terracotta figures and protomes depicting horses were known throughout Graeco-Roman Egypt. Horses could appear in secular as well as religious or votive contexts and were associated with equestrian culture, status and strength. Alexandria was an important centre of Hellenistic and Roman terracotta production, where Egyptian, Greek and Roman artistic traditions interacted. Preserved as a fragment of a larger terracotta object. The head and a substantial part of the neck remain. Age-related surface wear, minor chips, deposits and encrustations. The surface displays a naturally developed, irregular patina ranging from reddish-beige to lighter earthy tones. The principal features, particularly the eye, muzzle, nostrils and mane, remain clearly recognizable. No modern additions to the ancient fragment. The support visible in the photographs was used solely for photographic presentation. The object is not permanently mounted on the support, and the support is not included in the sale. Provenance: Formerly in the Madeleine & Erich Dammann Collection, Germany. Acquired during the owners' extensive travels between 1950 and 1970. The collection has been documented in Germany since 1970 and remained in continuous family ownership thereafter. As was customary for private purchases made in local markets during the 1950s–1970s, purchase receipts or invoices were generally neither issued nor requested. The provenance is documented through continuous family ownership, historical photographs and supporting biographical records.

Estimación:€375

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