327 - Terracotta horse figurine. Greek culture, Hellenistic period, circa 300 BC.

Terracotta horse figurine. Greek culture, Hellenistic period, circa 300 BC. Modeled and fired ceramic sculpture. Dimensions: 12.5 cm long x 8 cm high. An interesting sculptural representation of a horse belonging to the artistic tradition of the Hellenistic period, an era characterized by the expansion of Greek culture throughout the eastern Mediterranean and the Near East following the conquests of Alexander the Great. The piece depicts an equid in a small-scale composition, conceived following the figurative models developed in the terracotta workshops of the time. The horse held a prominent place in the ancient world, both for its importance in transportation, agriculture, and military activities, and for its symbolic significance, associated with social prestige, strength, and power. In the Greek artistic tradition, equine representations were especially common in sculptures, reliefs, ceramics, and small votive figures, where these animals appeared linked to deities, heroes, and figures of high social standing. During the Hellenistic period, the production of terracotta figurines experienced remarkable development, fostered by the spread of modeling and molding techniques that allowed for the creation of animal and human representations intended for domestic spaces, sanctuaries, and funerary contexts. The expansion of Hellenistic culture into the regions of Judea and Samaria led to the incorporation of new artistic and ornamental models into local traditions, resulting in an interesting combination of Greek and Eastern influences. Horse figurines could serve decorative, votive, or symbolic functions, reflecting the importance of these animals in ancient Mediterranean societies. This piece is an attractive example of small animal sculpture in terracotta, notable for its figurative nature and its connection to the artistic expressions developed in the Levant during the Hellenistic period. It is in good overall condition, with slight wear, irregularities, ...