Lot Essay
For a related example see no. 59 in Mitten, Classical Bronzes, Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design.
CIRCA 2ND CENTURY A.D.
Details
A PAIR OF ROMAN BRONZE MULE FINIALS
circa 2nd century a.d.
From the fulcrum of a kline, one with much finer detailing than the other, which may be an ancient replacement, each turning its head sharply to one side, its mane a crest of interwoven tufts, with gathered tufts at the crown of its head, a thick fillet above the forehead, the ends coiled around each ear, the eyes deeply set below a heavy brow, with a harness across the neck, the fur delineated with incised curls, the finer one pierced at the neck for attachment, the other with a long iron pin behind for attachment
5.3/8 in. (13.6 cm) long each (2)
circa 2nd century a.d.
From the fulcrum of a kline, one with much finer detailing than the other, which may be an ancient replacement, each turning its head sharply to one side, its mane a crest of interwoven tufts, with gathered tufts at the crown of its head, a thick fillet above the forehead, the ends coiled around each ear, the eyes deeply set below a heavy brow, with a harness across the neck, the fur delineated with incised curls, the finer one pierced at the neck for attachment, the other with a long iron pin behind for attachment
5.3/8 in. (13.6 cm) long each (2)