Egypte antique, époque gréco-romaine Grès Égypte romaine – Tête de taureau en grès - 8 cm

Fragmentary sandstone bull’s head from Roman Egypt, carved in light-coloured stone. The piece depicts the head of a powerful male bovine, characterised by its broad muzzle and compact, strongly projecting sculptural modelling.

Particularly distinctive is the massive and prominently projecting muzzle, which gives the animal a powerful appearance. Above the muzzle, the head narrows towards the forehead. The eyes and other facial features were sculpturally defined, although centuries of surface wear have softened some of the original details.

The upper part of the head survives only fragmentarily. At the sides, remains of the original ear and/or horn areas can still be recognised, while the horns themselves are no longer completely preserved. Viewed from the side, the three-dimensional character of the carving becomes particularly apparent: the muzzle and face project strongly, whereas the reverse is considerably flatter.

Original Function

Of particular interest are the two holes on the reverse. These suggest that the bull’s head was probably not intended as a free-standing sculpture, but rather as an applied sculptural element originally attached to a larger support or structure.

It may have formed part of a decorative, architectural or possibly cultic object. Due to its fragmentary condition and the absence of a documented archaeological find context, its precise original function can no longer be determined with certainty.

The Bull in Roman Egypt

The bull held profound religious and symbolic significance in Egypt from Pharaonic times onwards, representing strength, fertility and male potency. These long-established Egyptian traditions and animal cults continued into the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.

Particularly important was the Apis bull of Memphis, whose cult remained active under both Ptolemaic and Roman rule. Bulls and cattle, however, also appeared in a variety of other religious and decorative contexts.

The present fragment is therefore deliberately described simply as a bull’s head. An identification with the Apis bull would not be justified without distinctive attributes or a secure archaeological context.

The powerful and comparatively naturalistic treatment of the animal can be associated with the artistic environment of Roman Egypt, where traditional Egyptian subjects and religious concepts continued alongside Hellenistic and Roman artistic influences.

The sandstone displays a light beige to ochre surface, with brownish discolouration and areas of mineral deposits. More substantial deposits remain within recessed and protected areas.

Fragmentary archaeological condition. Considerable age-related surface wear, weathering, chips, deposits and larger losses, particularly to the upper and rear areas. The prominent muzzle and substantial portions of the head remain preserved. There are two holes on the reverse, possibly associated with the original attachment of the object.

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.