The marble statute of a bull, located in the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, is an artifact of ancient Greece, notable for its high level of craftsmanship. The artifact is 1.77 meters in length and 1.06 meters in height. The detailed musculature and finely carved fur exhibit the technical skill of the artist, while the raised shoulders, relative to the hips, portrays the bull's strength.
This sculpture, dated to the second century AD, represents a stylistic transition prevalent during the Roman era. Compared to the rigid and static forms of previous periods, this artifact reflects a move towards more dynamic and realistic representations in art.
An important historical attribute of this statute is the inscription by Regalia, the wife of Greek scholar and art patron, Herodes Atticus. Found between the bull's forelegs, the inscription refers to Regalia supplicating Zeus, the primary deity in Greek mythology. Beyond its artistic value, the religious undertone of the inscription illuminates the societal role of the bull symbol, likely as a conduit for divine propitiation.
The artifact's provenance is not definitively known, however, it's believed to have originated from Herodes Atticus's residence in Loukou, Arcadia, a testament to the Atticus family's affluence. The personal inscription by Regalia implies a mutual dedication to arts and culture preservation within the family.
