This figure represents a Greek terracotta horse and rider from the Canosan Hellenistic Period, which can be considered the period from the death of Alexander the great (323 B.C.) to the battle of Actuim (31 B.C.) This very fine horse and rider was molded of tan clay and then lavishly painted with the vibrant polychrome that is typical of Hellenistic terracotta’s from Magna Græcia. The horse is in an energetic rearing pose, a stance seen on other examples and on coinage of this era. A separately made, armored rider is perched astride his back.
The ridged mane with a spiraled top-knot, the bridal with six (one missing) disk-shaped phalerae, the reins resting on its neck all show the great depth that this artist entailed in order to create this beautiful piece.
Magna Græcia, Centuripe
ca. 4th century BC
As mounted: Height: 10-1/8 inches (25.7 cm)
Length: 12-1/4 inches (31. cm)
Width: 3-1/4 inches (8.3 cm)
Formerly in a private New York collection, late 1970’s-1980’s
724 5th Avenue, New York, NY, Stati Uniti