Roman Period Sculpture Depicting a Stylized Rooster, 100 CE - 300 CE
Terracotta
6.25 x 6
P.0455
Further images
In the Classical world, the rooster was a favorite gift, used both as an offering to the gods, and as a present to one's beloved. On the vases of ancient...
In the Classical world, the rooster was a favorite gift, used both as an offering to the gods, and as a present to one's beloved. On the vases of ancient Greece, lovers are often shown holding a rooster while in the temples of the pagan gods. The bird was sacrificed to gain the benediction of some powerful deity. This charming fowl, with curving tail plumage, and an alert expression as if waiting for the dawn, was probably left as a votive gift when Rome was at her height. He seems to radiate still with the wishes and dreams of that ancient life, as hopeful as a sunrise.