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Shield boss in the form of a head of a ram
Italic, Etruscan
Archaic Period
550-450 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Bronze
Dimensions
Diameter: 8.5 cm ( 3 3/8)
Credit Line
Alfred Greenough Collection
Accession Number08.534
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsTomb equipment
Catalogue Raisonné
Greek, Etruscan, & Roman Bronzes (MFA), no. 711; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 128 (additional published references).
DescriptionThe ram’s muzzle is short, the nose being fairly flat. The animal has a short rectangular-shaped beard and his teeth are partially visible. The large horns are interrupted by the small overlapping ears. The fleece is rendered through parallel curving lines starting from the middle. Under the chin multiple rows of closely cropped tufts indicate the folds of the skin. The metal is very thin. The small holes in the flange around the neck indicate the relief was attached to a larger surface. Two small fragments are missing from the nose. Crusty green patina.
ProvenanceBy 1908: Alfred Greenough Collection; accessioned by MFA, December 12, 1957