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End of a chariot pole in the form of a lion's head
Italic, Etruscan
Archaic Period
late 6th century B.C.
Medium/Technique
Bronze
Dimensions
Length 10.5 cm (4 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of the Estate of Dr. Jacob Hirsch
Accession Number55.497
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Transportation
Catalogue Raisonné
Greek, Etruscan, & Roman Bronzes (MFA), no. 712; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 128 (additional published references).
DescriptionEnd of a chariot pole in the form of a lion’s head. The lion has its jaws wide open, its tongue hanging out. The mane is short and close-fitting, the ears pointing backwards. It is possibly a lioness. The details such as the whiskers and the skin folds under the eyes are carefully rendered by incisions. The piece is hollow and terminates at the neck in a narrow flange pierced by nail holes. Lower part of flange missing; two small holes on left side of neck; nose cracked; otherwise well preserved. Rich green patina, with glossy, mottled surface in shades leading almost to onyx.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: Jacob Hirsch Estate (according to Greek, Etruscan, & Roman Bronzes in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, no. 712: from near Orvieto); gift of the Estate of Dr. Jacob Hirsch to MFA, September 15, 1955