RB024
Roman bronze recumbent bull (-a key handle).
1st century AD.
L. 11.73 cm (4 5/8 in.), H. 5.9 cm (2 1/4 in.)
Chipped tip of right horn. Fine green and red patina, with pitted areas of corrosion. Remains of iron encrustation.
$7,800.
The bull is recumbent with its front legs folded beneath its body and its head turned to the right. Its tail lies on its backside and falls around the folded hip.
The figure is finely modeled in a realistic style, with details such as the folds of skin beneath the neck, the pointed spread ears and the horns, curling upwards at the tip. The face is life-like and gentle.
The figurine was used as a key handle. The iron key was attached to the triple-ringed base at the backside of the figure.
For later example:
Cf. Muscarella, O. W., editor, Schimmel collection, Jerusalem 1977, Mainz, 1974, no. 99.
Muscarella, O. W., editor, Ancient Art. The Norbert Schimmel Collection, Exh. cat., Israel Museum, Jerusalem 1977
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