Eastern Europe, Northern Greece, Roman period, Thrace, ca. 3rd century BCE to 3rd century CE. A finely cast bronze rider donning a helmet and elaborately detailed armor, with his left hand in a grip poised to hold the reigns of his noble steed. A wonderful example of a Thracian horseman (also known as the Thracian Rider or the Thracian Hero), a recurring motif that persists from the Hellenistic period into the Roman period in the region of Thrace. These figures are often depicted on the funerary stelae of lower and middle class Roman cavalrymen; they seem to refer to a specific cult of Heroes, which was based in Philippi and whose name is often accompanied by the epithets "soter" (savior) and "answerer of prayers" (epekoos). Size: 4.5" H (11.4 cm); 5.75" H (14.6 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#133391

Losses to legs, right arm, and fingers of left hand as shown. Expected surface wear commensurate with age, but wonderful detailing including facial features has survived the tests of time. The lower right section of the rider's armor/leg has been reattached. Gorgeous green patination.