Inv. n°: MMoCA382

Bronze Chariot Fitting or Rein Guide

Taking the form of a three-pronged fitment, the central upright is in the form of an eagle's head with long hook beak flanked by two large eyes beneath pronounced brows. Three layers of feathers moulded in relief are incised with their shafts and barbs. Two cobra heads with pronounced horizontal ribbing below their heads flank the central hollow octagonal upright, which allow the insertion of another element. These types of fitment have been described as being possibly rein guides or part of the chassis of a chariot or wagon, holding leather strips to act as the suspension.

h. 15.8 cm

2nd-3rd century AD

Bronze

Provenance

  • Ex German private collection, Germany, 1980s
  • Acquired from the London Trade Market, 28th February 2008
  • Acquired at Rupert Wace Ancient Art LTD, London, 20th August 2009, 14435

Publications

  • M. Junkelmann, "Roman Militaria" in M. Merrony (ed.), Mougins Museum of Classical Art, France, 2011, p. 246, fig. 36
  • C. Dauphin, Animals in the Ancient World. The Levett Bestiary, Levett Collection Series 2, France, 2014, p. 99
  • C. Dauphin, Les Animaux dans le Monde Antique. Le Bestiaire Levett, Serie Collection Levett 2, France, 2016, p. 52, fig. 47 and 88

Exhibitions

  • Basel Ancient Art Fair, Basel, Switzerland, 2008 — 2008
  • The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF), MECC, Maastricht, Netherlands, 2009 — 2009
  • Musée d'Art Classique de Mougins (MACM), Mougins, France, from June 2011

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