Ancient Roman, Empire Bronze Ancient Roman Bronze Horse Head Protome – Finely Modelled with Open Mouth
11
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08
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Current bid
€ 40
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 210 - € 250
 | €40 | |
|---|---|---|
| €20 |
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Ancient Roman bronze horse head protome, circa 1st–3rd century AD, finely modelled with open mouth, weighing 20 g and measuring 30.4 × 19.9 mm, in excellent condition and from a private European collection acquired in 2025 from Germany.
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Description from the seller
Ancient Roman Bronze Horse Head Protome – Finely Modelled with Open Mouth
Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–3rd century AD
Material: Bronze
Weight: 20.0 g
Dimensions: 30.4 × 19.9 mm
From a Private European Collection.
A remarkable and very rare Ancient Roman bronze horse head protome, distinguished by its exceptionally expressive appearance, finely modelled anatomical features and beautifully preserved reddish-brown ancient patina.
The sculptural representation depicts the head of a horse with a prominently elongated muzzle, carefully defined eyes, upright ears and a strikingly open mouth. The deeply recessed mouth and pronounced nostril area create an impression of movement and vitality, capturing the strength and spirited character of this magnificent animal.
Particularly appealing is the attention devoted to both sides of the head. The eyes are individually outlined, while the ears, cheekbones and sculpted mane contribute to the remarkable three-dimensional appearance of this miniature bronze.
The surviving lower section forms a substantial, spreading base, consistent with the object's original character as a decorative bronze attachment or fitting.
The Horse – A Symbol of Roman Power and Prestige:
Horses occupied an extraordinary position in Roman civilisation, representing military strength, personal prestige, mobility and victory.
The cavalry played an important role in Roman military operations, particularly along the empire's extensive frontiers. Mounted soldiers, officers and their horses formed an essential component of the Roman army, while elaborately decorated horse equipment could reflect the status and identity of its owner.
Beyond the battlefield, horses were closely associated with Roman aristocratic life, ceremonial processions, public spectacles and the celebrated chariot races of the ancient world.
Equestrian imagery consequently became a powerful decorative theme throughout the Roman Empire, appearing on bronze fittings, household furnishings, military equipment and prestigious personal possessions.
An Expressive Example of Roman Bronze Craftsmanship:
Small sculptural bronze attachments offered Roman craftsmen an opportunity to combine practical decorative functions with remarkable artistic expression.
Animal-headed protomes were particularly attractive ornaments, transforming everyday objects into distinctive works of miniature sculpture.
This fascinating example captures the horse in an animated pose, its open mouth and carefully articulated facial features lending the composition an almost lifelike quality.
The richly textured surface displays an attractive combination of warm reddish-brown tones and darker areas of ancient patination, beautifully accentuating the contours of the head and the details of its modelling.
A Remarkable Collector's Piece:
The combination of expressive animal imagery, carefully executed three-dimensional modelling, detailed decoration on both sides and attractive ancient patina makes this bronze horse head a particularly appealing addition to a collection of Roman antiquities.
A fascinating miniature sculpture reflecting the importance of horses in Roman society and the artistic traditions of ancient bronze craftsmanship.
I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Ancient Roman Bronze Horse Head Protome – Finely Modelled with Open Mouth
Roman Imperial Period, circa 1st–3rd century AD
Material: Bronze
Weight: 20.0 g
Dimensions: 30.4 × 19.9 mm
From a Private European Collection.
A remarkable and very rare Ancient Roman bronze horse head protome, distinguished by its exceptionally expressive appearance, finely modelled anatomical features and beautifully preserved reddish-brown ancient patina.
The sculptural representation depicts the head of a horse with a prominently elongated muzzle, carefully defined eyes, upright ears and a strikingly open mouth. The deeply recessed mouth and pronounced nostril area create an impression of movement and vitality, capturing the strength and spirited character of this magnificent animal.
Particularly appealing is the attention devoted to both sides of the head. The eyes are individually outlined, while the ears, cheekbones and sculpted mane contribute to the remarkable three-dimensional appearance of this miniature bronze.
The surviving lower section forms a substantial, spreading base, consistent with the object's original character as a decorative bronze attachment or fitting.
The Horse – A Symbol of Roman Power and Prestige:
Horses occupied an extraordinary position in Roman civilisation, representing military strength, personal prestige, mobility and victory.
The cavalry played an important role in Roman military operations, particularly along the empire's extensive frontiers. Mounted soldiers, officers and their horses formed an essential component of the Roman army, while elaborately decorated horse equipment could reflect the status and identity of its owner.
Beyond the battlefield, horses were closely associated with Roman aristocratic life, ceremonial processions, public spectacles and the celebrated chariot races of the ancient world.
Equestrian imagery consequently became a powerful decorative theme throughout the Roman Empire, appearing on bronze fittings, household furnishings, military equipment and prestigious personal possessions.
An Expressive Example of Roman Bronze Craftsmanship:
Small sculptural bronze attachments offered Roman craftsmen an opportunity to combine practical decorative functions with remarkable artistic expression.
Animal-headed protomes were particularly attractive ornaments, transforming everyday objects into distinctive works of miniature sculpture.
This fascinating example captures the horse in an animated pose, its open mouth and carefully articulated facial features lending the composition an almost lifelike quality.
The richly textured surface displays an attractive combination of warm reddish-brown tones and darker areas of ancient patination, beautifully accentuating the contours of the head and the details of its modelling.
A Remarkable Collector's Piece:
The combination of expressive animal imagery, carefully executed three-dimensional modelling, detailed decoration on both sides and attractive ancient patina makes this bronze horse head a particularly appealing addition to a collection of Roman antiquities.
A fascinating miniature sculpture reflecting the importance of horses in Roman society and the artistic traditions of ancient bronze craftsmanship.
I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman, Empire
Century/timeframe
circa 1st–3rd century AD
Name of object
Ancient Roman Bronze Horse Head Protome – Finely Modelled with Open Mouth
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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.
