Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 2nd century CE. A wonderful solid-cast bronze bull, captured in a naturalistic pose, striding forward with his head held in front and turned slightly to the left. The animal's details are veristically delineated with rippling musculature, a sinuous tail draped down its hind legs, a rippling dewlap, ears horizontal below his horns, and a powerful body. The mammal is covered in layers of lustrous green, tan, and russet patina. Size: 2.875" L x 2" W (7.3 cm x 5.1 cm). The bull has a significant history in the ancient world, with representations from every culture, from the Minoans, to the Egyptians, and to the Greeks and Romans. The bull was central to the Roman's cult of Mithras with their central tenant of tauroctony, the sacred slaying of the bull. Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #137204