Roman Terracotta Bull

An ancient Roman terracotta standing bull on an integral base.

Roman Egypt.

Ca. 1st - 3rd century AD.

Length: 6 1/2 in. (17 cm).

The bull was revered in ancient cultures as a symbol of strength and virility. Prized bulls were treated as sacred in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Particularly robust bulls were offered as sacrifices to the Gods in Greek and Roman society. The Taurobolium was an especially important Roman holiday in which a revered bull was sacrificed.

Formerly in a New York private collection, previously deaccessioned from an American museum, acquired in the 1980's.

Inv#: 6104

Guaranteed Authentic

$2,500