Description
A rare molded terracotta relief plaque from ancient Mesopotamia, preserving a lively figural scene arranged within an approximately oval field. The composition is dominated by a large quadruped, most plausibly a horse, shown in profile and moving dynamically across the center of the plaque. Associated with the animal is a male figure, apparently representing a mounted hunter or warrior, whose upper body rises prominently above the animal and whose extended arm contributes considerable movement to the composition.
At the left appears a second, smaller animal, seemingly participating in the scene and possibly representing a hunting dog or pursued quarry. Although portions of the relief have been softened by age and archaeological wear, the overall subject appears to belong to the ancient Near Eastern tradition of equestrian and hunting imagery.
The scene is enclosed by a raised border, with a distinctive row of rounded bosses or bead-like elements along the lower edge. The plaque was formed in a mold from buff to pale reddish-brown clay, with irregular ancient edges and extensive surface weathering.
Equestrian imagery became particularly prominent in Mesopotamian art during the Seleucid and Parthian periods, when representations of mounted warriors, hunters and heroic figures appeared widely in terracotta production. Such plaques reflect the growing cultural importance of the horse and mounted elite in the societies of Mesopotamia and the wider Iranian world.
The piece is especially attractive for the amount of its original composition that remains legible: the principal animal, human figure, secondary animal and decorative framing can all still be distinguished.
REFERENCE #
cr-ms-1018
CIVILIZATION
Mesopotamian, Circa 1st century BC–2nd century AD
SIZE
H. 7.5 cm, W. 11.5 cm
CONDITION
Ancient surface wear, erosion, encrustation and losses around the perimeter as visible. The principal composition remains substantially preserved. Mounted on a modern display stand.
PRICE
$1,500
PROVENANCE
Jerusalem private collection
