URARTIAN BRONZE RAM FIGURINE WITH SERPENT-PROTOME TAIL

Ca. 850 - 650 BC . A substantial cast bronze ritual figurine representing a standing ram, modelled with a compact body supported upon four straight legs. The animal has a broad muzzle, projecting ears and prominently curved horns, while the chest and shoulders are treated with restrained but powerful modelling. From the hindquarters rises an unusually long, arched tail terminating in a downward-facing serpent protome, creating a composite creature in which caprine and ophidian imagery are deliberately combined. The integration of the serpent-headed tail into the animal’s body indicates a symbolic or ritual purpose rather than a functional attachment. Its robust casting, strongly stylised anatomy and composite animal iconography are consistent with Urartian bronze production of the early first millennium BC. Size: 110mm x 150mm; Weight: 735g Provenance: Private UK collection; formerly H.G. collection; acquired from A. Kotllar, Paris, French art market, 1970–2006.

Estimate:$401.85

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