Romano-British, Imperial Period, ca. 1st Century CE. Skillfully cast via the lost wax (cire perdue) process, a bronze vessel mount of a rare type, depicting the forepart of Pegasus emerging from blossoming foliage. The details are absolutely exquisite - Pegasus with finely delineated ears, mane, eyes, and snout as well as pronounced wings with stylized plumage and remains of forelegs - the foliage with a three long well-defined petals from which Pegasus brilliantly emerges. Size: 4.125" L x 2" H (10.5 cm x 5.1 cm); 2.875" H (7.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Pegasus is one of the most popular and instantly recognizable figures in Classical mythology - a magnificent winged horse known for aiding the hero Bellerophon as he battled against the fire-breathing chimera.

Published by M. Henig in the Antiquaries Journal (1983), p. 361, f, pl. L; J. Eisenberg, Art of the Ancient World, IV, 1985, no. 319.

Exhibited: Kresge Art Museum, MSU, 1985-1994; Ball State University Museum 1994-2005; George Mason University 2005-2010; Fitchburg Art Museum 2010-2013.

Provenance: R.K. collection, Drayton Plains, Michigan, acquired from Royal-Athena in 1985; ex-Mildenhall, Suffolk, England. Published by M. Henig in the Antiquaries Journal (1983), p. 361, f, pl. L; J. Eisenberg, Art of the Ancient World, IV, 1985, no. 319. Exhibited: Kresge Art Museum, MSU, 1985-1994; Ball State University Museum 1994-2005; George Mason University 2005-2010; Fitchburg Art Museum 2010-2013.

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#157865

Loss to forelegs as shown. Expected age wear with nicks/chips to peripheries of mane and wings of Pegasus and foliage. Some softening to details but features of the visage, wings, and foliage are still strong. Bronze has developed a rich patina with areas of verdigris.