Equestrian figure (figure)

Artist Unknown (Etruscan, 4th century B.C.)

Date4th Century BC

MediumBronze

Dimensions3 3/4 x 1 7/8 x 1 1/2 in. (9.5 x 4.8 x 3.8 cm)

ClassificationsMetalwork

Credit LineGift of Joseph and Jacqueline Corben, 2001

Object numberSN11048.3

In addition to large-scale bronze statuary, numerous small-scale domestic objects and votives were produced in the ancient world. In antiquity the Etruscans were well known as skilled craftsmen in bronze. The balsamarium in the form of a female bust-length figure is a container used for perfumed oil. In the head, there is a hole through which oil could be poured and a cover, which is molded to form part of the figure's hair. Female figures such as this one might represent a goddess, possibly Aphrodite. The equestrian figure was probably a votive offering dedicated to a deity. Perhaps it also had a companion figure of a horse, since the arms are raised with the fists clenched as if holding a horse's reigns. The figure is a warrior wearing a helmet, chest armor, and a short tunic incised with a geometric motif. The Etruscans had been making solid-cast bronze figurines since the 7th century B.C., but in the 4th century, they reached a high level of excellence. The mirror cover is a fine example of Greek bronze work. It represents the goddess Athena in repousée, a technique in which a thin sheet of metal was engraved from behind to produce an image in relief from the front. It is one of the few examples bearing an image of Athena rather than the more frequently represented goddess Aphrodite. Perhaps this indicates that the mirror belonged to serious-minded woman who chose the austere virgin goddess to symbolize female virtue and chastity.

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