Molded in clay and fired, this terracotta figure of a ram is in the form of a vase, anciently termed an askos which originally designated a goat skin, and hence any leather bag-like container, in which liquid was stored. Our example relies on the profile view which reveals the majestic forms of our ram. He is depicted seated on an integral base with all four of his legs drawn up under his body. His head, slightly lowered, is focused straight ahead and the artist has paid particular attention to every detail from the horns encircling the ears to the eyes and snout. The fleece of the ram is rendered as a series of raised, rounded rectangles each incised with linear ornament.
Antiquities Ancient Roman
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