Geometric Statuette of a Horse

A solid cast bronze horse stands on a rectangular base, which has a projection at one end to support the tail. The abstracted rendering of the animal's anatomy, with elongated legs, narrow midsection, and broad angular neck, are characteristic of representations of horses in the Greek Geometric period (900-700 B.C.).

Statuettes of horses served as votive dedications in Greek sanctuaries, signifying the social status of their donors. Because they required extensive land and upkeep, horses were expensive to own and became symbols of wealth and power. In the late 700s B.C., such small bronze statuettes were produced in a number of Greek cities. The cylindrical nose and openwork base of this example are characteristic of the Spartan style.