Head of horse statue

Head of Statue of a Horse Erechtheion, Acropolis of Athens – ca. 570–560 BC Archaic period Acropolis Museum (cat. no. 697) This preserved fragment depicts the forepart of a marble horse, shown striding gently to the right with the right foreleg slightly raised. The head turns right, with flared nostrils, a partially open mouth, and a rigid upright mane. Traces of red pigment remain on the mane, eyes, and nostrils. The lower limbs are modern restorations. Two additional fragments (Akr. 572 and Akr. 573) have been attributed to the hoof and a support beneath the belly of the horse. The statue’s function is debated: some scholars suggest it was a stand-alone votive offering, perhaps commemorating a victory in a race of mounted horses (kelētes). Others argue that it may have formed part of a pedimental sculptural composition, adorning a major Acropolis building.