ostracon ancient art
catalogue

Western Greek Bronze Handle with Horse Protomes, 6th Century BC

Protomes of prancing horses joined at the midsection to a wagon-like box.

The visible face with carefully incised manes, bridles, and indicated joins to the legs. The eyes recessed to bear spheres of a different material.

The slightly bent groove between the front legs indicates that the attachment was put over an object. At the bottom center a flap with a hole for fastening.

Elsa Bloch-Diener argued that the object was possibly a mirror holder.
 
One ear missing, minor pitting on one head. Otherwise intact and fine.

W. 12 cm (4.7 in), H. 4.4 cm (1.7 in)

Ex Swiss gallery of Elsa Bloch-Diener, Berne, since the mid-1970s. Joined by a copy of the catalogue entry.

3400 USD