Roman Egypt, probably Alexandria Terracotta Alexandrian Terracotta Horse Head - 6 cm
09
days
14
hours
46
minutes
07
seconds
Current bid
€ 90
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 380 - € 450
 | €90 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €85 | |
| €75 | |
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Alexandrian Terracotta Horse Head, 1st century AD, an original hollow terracotta fragment from Roman Egypt (Alexandria) produced with two moulds; height 6 cm, width 6.5 cm, in fair condition with patina, provenance private collection, acquired in 2025 from Germany.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
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.
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.
Details
Culture
Roman Egypt, probably Alexandria
Century/timeframe
1st century AD
Name of object
Alexandrian Terracotta Horse Head
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Fair
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
6 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
6.5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
