Lot 905
Two South Italian ornate peytrals for horses of a two-horse chariot, plus a simple breastplate, 5th – 4th century B.C.
Works of Art, Antiquities & Ancient Art | A108kua | Live auction | 490 Lots
Description
Two identical, obviously matching peytrals made of sheet bronze with hammered ornaments for a team of horses, which are constructed as follows: a „bib" at the front, rounded at the bottom, which is divided in the lower section by four hammered, elongated bosses, running vertically. The outer ones broader, the two central ones narrower. Above which, two garland-like bulges, curving downwards. The ends of the above bulge extending up into two palmettes, then onwards into the elongated, narrow „straps" of the „bib". A cymation consisting of a row of tongue-like segments above the palmettes and along the edges of the „straps" and the lower edge of the „bib". The entire border perforated with small holes, approx. 3 - 5 mm apart, which were used to attach a lining made of organic material. Moreover, two large perforations on the lower edge of each peytral. The rounded end of one of the „straps" still preserved, the other one broken off. The surface with some areas of green oxidation over a layer of reddish brown copper. Stabilised on the underside by means of gauze and synthetic resin. Three of the „straps" fractured and only held together by the gauze soaked in synthetic resin. The surfaces of the peytrals slightly dented. Two impressive exemplars of a magnificent, ancient Italian harness. Width of each approx. 40 cm. Preserved length 68 cm and 55 cm. Also includes a crescent-shaped fragment from the centre of another peytral in undecorated sheet bronze, the „straps" of which have broken off. The fragment also with fine perforations along the edges. Width approx. 50 cm. Height 23 cm. CULTURAL ASSETProvenance: From the Axel Guttmann Collection, acquired from a Rhenish art dealer in 1993.
Condition: III Questions about the lot?
