ClassificationsGreek and Roman Art

Goat, from a Vessel Rim

CultureGreek, perhaps Laconian

PeriodArchaic

Dateca. 540 BCE

MediumBronze

Credit LineCarlos Collection of Ancient Art

Dimensions1 3/4 x 2 3/4 x 1 1/4 in. (4.4 x 7 x 3.2 cm)

Object number2005.008.002

Label TextOne of the happiest conventions in Greek art is the decoration of bronze vessels with sculptural attachments. These delightful appliqués were in archaic times cast separately, in the round, and attached with solder or rivets to the body of the vessel. Very often, the vessel itself, made of bronze hammered extremely thin, has perished, leaving behind only the cast elements -- the rim, foot, handles, and adjuncts. Their subject matter is most often confined to a restricted number of animals, particularly lions, goats, rams, horses, and bulls, but sometimes includes human figures (banqueters, departing chariots) or mythological figures and monsters (Artemis, Amazons, griffins, sphinxes). Bronze vessels, commanding a much higher economic value than ceramic ones, circulated in elite society as gifts of diplomacy or trade, votive dedications in sanctuaries, prizes in athletic competitions, heirlooms and, often in the last resort, as grave-goods. They have been found as far afield as Egypt, Spain, Germany, and Russia. The goat is flat underneath, indicating that it was placed on top of the vessel rather than attached to its side. Three goats, from the same workshop as this one were attached to the shoulder of a dinos-krater (an ovoid vessel for mixing wine and water) found at Trebenischte, in modern Macedonia.
Exhibition HistoryFrom Pharaohs to Emperors: New Egyptian and Classical Antiquities at Emory, Michael C. Carlos Museum, January 14 - April 2, 2006
MCCM Permanent Collection Reinstallation, July 2014 - Present
Published ReferencesPeter Lacovara and Jasper Gaunt, "From Pharaohs to Emperors: Egyptian, Near Eastern & Classical Antiquities at Emory," Minerva 17 (January/February 2006): 9-16.

ProvenanceWith George Allen (1919-1998) [Hesperia Art], Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Purchased by MCCM from Robert Hecht (1919-2012) [Robert Hecht Gallery], New York, New York.

Status

On view

Collections