Greek, 7th – 6th century B.C.

Bronze

H: 10.8 cm (4.2 cm)

Serial: 32561

Pegasus was a winged horse that came into the world after Medusa’s head was cut off by Perseus. This immortal creature was famous for the many battles it rode into including the fight against the fire breathing monster Khimaira. Perseus then led Pegasus up to heaven where Zeus struck the hero down back to earth but al-lowed for Pegasus to fly up and then serve Zeus by becoming his thunder bearer.

The divine stallion with long legs and a straight tail is depicted striding forward with its left legs advanced, the genitalia indicated. Its elongated sickle-shaped wings are pulled back over the truncated torso, curving gently at their tips; the details of the feathers on the wings and mane were summarily incised. The head has the eyes and nostrils articulated, with the mouth slightly agape. The figure is placed on a narrow, rectangular, integral base terminating in two downturned tabs, atop a cylindrical shaft, which could have been part of the rein-guard of a chariot.

CONDITION

Surface covered with oxides; the left side thigh battered.

PROVENANCE

Ex- Lewis B. Cullman collection, acquired on the New York art market in 1992.

PUBLISHED and EXHIBITED

FABULOUS MONSTERS, Phoenix Ancient Art 2021/40, New York, 2021, no. 1