Bronze
H: 6.92 cm. L: 5.1 cm
Allegedly from Sierra Nevada
Iberian
5th-3rd century B.C.
Solid-cast, worked in the cold and very carefully burnished.
Condition: patina a very pale olive green. The original metal has undergone a cuprous chloride mutation over which the present surface is a thin crust, cracked, chipped, abraded here and there. There is damage to the right sides of the helmet and the horse's head in particular, and to the horse's hooves. Traces of yellowish orange earth deposit.
This charming horseman sits elegantly on his mount reining in his horse with his left hand on the bridle. He is a warrior with helmet, shield on his back, and scabbard with sword held across his waist. Unfortunately, though details for horseman and mount are found on other Iberian votives, we know of no close comparison, but he is for stance, spirit and execution a typical, though uncommon, Iberian ex-voto.
