Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A handsome, solid bronze statue of a humped bull standing on a shallow plinth. The body of the bull is proud, muscular, with a humped neck, powerful haunches, and emphasized dewlap; the horns project outward symmetrically from the sides of the head. Although the shape of the body is similar to those of zebu bulls, which were bred in India and may have been familiar to a well-traveled or educated Roman, it may also reflect the desire of the sculptor to portray the most masculine, virile bull possible. Some archaeological evidence also suggests that Romans imported the zebu bull - only the bulls - to be sacrificial animals, again because of their masculine appearance. This is certainly a portrait of a powerful animal, with a gorgeous turquoise patina! Size: 3.5" L x 6.3" W x 5.75" H (8.9 cm x 16 cm x 14.6 cm) A similar example sold at Christie's in 2017 for GBP 6875 (approximately 9000 USD): https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/a-roman-bronze-bull-circa-2nd-century-6084693-details.aspx Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #133293