Roman, 2nd century C.E.
Head of a Bull
Marble
18 ¾ x 15 ¾ x 6 in.
MSU purchase, funded by Friends of the Museum, 94.3.1
 |
This exquisitely carved head and beautifully rendered garland
of fruit is likely an architectural fragment. The bull, an
animal of great importance in the ancient world, was used not
only for sport and toil, but also in religious festivities.
Only the best and most beautiful bulls could be sacrificed
to the gods, and perhaps this bull, full of strength and energy,
was part of a relief of a sacrifice. Whatever its original
function, the carver of this piece was clearly experienced
in using different techniques, from light incising around the
eyes to deep relief holes and channels in the hair. When viewed
from afar, this technique creates an interplay of cast shadows
that enliven the surface. This carving style is perhaps a clue
to its place of origin in the Eastern Roman empire. |
