A very fine solid cast bronze statuette of a strutting Rooster. The bird stands alertly upright, with folded wings and the left leg forward. The feather pattern is well detailed in a stylized manner and the legs terminate in an integral base so the figure is free standing.
Ancient Eastern Roman/Byzantine - circa 10th - 12th century AD
Excellent condition, with attractive green and brown patina, and some surface encrustation. Mounted on an old wooden base. (58 x 44 mm – 1 7/8” high x 1 11/16'' long)
Provenance: ex collection of Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987), entrepreneur and philanthropist.
In ancient Rome, the Rooster heralded the dawn and was a bird sacred to the Sun God (Sol) and the messenger god (Mercury). In early Christian art, he appears as a symbol of the Passion of Christ and is often shown to represent Saint Peter’s denial and repentance.
