Egypt, probably Alexandria, Romano-Egyptian period, ca. 1st century BCE to 1st century CE. A mold-made gladiator on horseback, wearing a helmet, sleeve armor, a skirt, and carrying a shield. Presumably his lost arm was once raised with a weapon in his hand. White, red, and yellow pigment remains on surface. The horse has a detailed face, while the gladiator also has extensive detail on his clothing. This figure was almost certainly a toy, designed for an older Romano-Egyptian child who could be trusted not to break it and who was ready to play imaginative games about real life heroes and situations. Gladiators were the rock stars of their day, and perhaps this example reminded the child who owned it of a favorite. Size: 7" L x 4.2" W x 7.2" H (17.8 cm x 10.7 cm x 18.3 cm)

Alexandria was an important port town in Roman Egypt, and through it, Roman cultural ideas came into the ancient kingdom. Part of this included items like this toy produced by the healthy ceramic industry that sprang up in the city, producing domestic and funerary ware, votive statues, and toys like this one. Egypt of course had had its own tradition of pottery items prior to the arrival of the Greco-Romans, but the Romans brought new forms of material culture that seem to have become quickly fashionable.

Provenance: private New York, USA collection; ex Jay Yamner, Brooklyn, New York, USA; acquired Royal Athena Galleries, New York, USA inventory no. BLN129

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#127147

One arm is lost as are both legs and the legs of the horse. Some original pigment remaining on body, with nice details. Royal Athena sticker on the underside.