3-044-346 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Geometric Statuette of a Horse, 750-700 BC. Additional Info: 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 BC). 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.