{"product_id":"ancient-greek-boeotian-terracotta-horse-and-rider-figure-detailed-provenance","title":"Ancient Greek Boeotian Terracotta Horse and Rider Figure | Detailed Provenance | Circa 700–500 BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Boeotia, Ancient Greece\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-modeled terracotta with traces of red pigment\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late Geometric to Early Archaic Period, circa 700–500 BCE\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nThis ancient Greek terracotta horse and rider figure originates from Boeotia, a region renowned for its prolific production of stylized equestrian votive sculptures during the Geometric and Early Archaic periods. Horse-and-rider figures such as this were commonly dedicated at sanctuaries, deposited as funerary offerings, or presented as symbols of status, wealth, and aristocratic identity.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nThe sculpture depicts a rider seated astride a horse, rendered in the highly abstract and expressive manner characteristic of Boeotian terracotta workshops. The rider's arms extend outward to grasp either side of the horse's neck or mane, while both horse and rider are simplified into elegant geometric forms. The elongated legs, arched neck, and projecting tail of the horse create a dynamic silhouette that exemplifies the artistic conventions of early Greek figural sculpture.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nTraces of original red pigment remain visible across portions of the surface, providing evidence of the painted decoration that once enhanced the figure. The piece exhibits substantial mineral accretions, weathering, and burial patina consistent with considerable antiquity. Examples of similar horse-and-rider votive figures are represented in major museum collections and are considered important precursors to the naturalistic sculpture of the Archaic and Classical Greek periods.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nGood ancient condition overall. Surface wear, mineral deposits, pigment remnants, firing imperfections, and age-related weathering throughout. Minor losses and abrasions consistent with age and archaeological recovery. Presents well with strong sculptural form and attractive ancient surfaces.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nHeight: 5.25 in\u003cbr\u003e\nWidth: 5.5 in\u003cbr\u003e\nLength: 2.25 in\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\n2,500–2,700 years old\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nPurchased from Roussos Antiques Shop, Athens, Greece, on September 19, 1980. Accompanied by the original purchase receipt, export documentation, and an original period photograph showing the piece in the collection shortly after acquisition.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nSubsequently held in a private Minnesota, USA collection for more than four decades.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGain insight into the significance of ancient Greek horse and rider votive figures through \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.colorado.edu\/classics\/2018\/05\/10\/200627t-horse-and-rider-figurine\" title=\"Horse and Rider Figurine – University of Colorado Boulder Department of Classics\"\u003ethe University of Colorado Boulder Department of Classics\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eView Our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/roman-greek-artifacts-ancient-relics\" title=\"Explore Ancient Roman \u0026amp; Greek Artifacts at Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\"\u003eCollection of Ancient Roman \u0026amp; Greek Artifacts\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54862229045570,"sku":null,"price":3000.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/ancient-boeotian-greek-terracotta-horse-rider-votive-figure.png?v=1782594854","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/es\/products\/ancient-greek-boeotian-terracotta-horse-and-rider-figure-detailed-provenance","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}