Protome Collection

Double Ram Protome, between c.1350 and c.800 B.C.. Creator: Unknown
Double Ram Protome, between c.1350 and c.800 B.C

Lion Protome, probably for a Throne, c. 2nd century. Creator: Unknown
Lion Protome, probably for a Throne, c. 2nd century

Pair of Protomes Depicting the Forepart of a Griffin, 625-575 BCE. Creator: Unknown
Pair of Protomes Depicting the Forepart of a Griffin, 625-575 BCE

Couch detail with bone carving of lion head and glass inlaid eyes, c
3526097 Couch detail with bone carving of lion head and glass inlaid eyes, c.100 AD (wood, bone and glass) by Roman, (2nd century AD); Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Lions head protome with glass eyes, 1st century AD (bone and glass)
3617914 Lions head protome with glass eyes, 1st century AD (bone and glass) by Roman Imperial Period (27 BC-476 AD); 12.1 wide cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA; out of copyright

Vessel terminating in the forepart of a fantastic leonine creature, c
3526120 Vessel terminating in the forepart of a fantastic leonine creature, c.5th century BC (gold) by Achaemenid, (5th century BC); 17 high cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Pair of Protomes Depicting the Forepart of a Griffin, 625-575 BC
2969193 Pair of Protomes Depicting the Forepart of a Griffin, 625-575 BC (bronze with bone or ivory inlay) by Greek School (7th-6th century); The Art Institute of Chicago, IL, USA; (add.info.: Greek)

Protome of a double griffin, the Apadana, Persepolis, Iran. The capital of Achaemenid Persia, Persepolis was predominantly built during the reigns of the dynastys founder

Protome of a horse, the Apadana, Persepolis, Iran. The capital of Achaemenid Persia, Persepolis was predominantly built during the reigns of the dynastys founder

Protome of a double horse, the Apadana, Persepolis, Iran. The capital of Achaemenid Persia, Persepolis was predominantly built during the reigns of the dynastys founder

Protome of half horse, the Apadana, Persepolis, Iran. The capital of Achaemenid Persia, Persepolis was predominantly built during the reigns of the dynastys founder

Palace of Darius I. Apadana or Audience Hall. 6th c. BC. IRAN. Persepolis. Detail of capital of column capital with protome bull shaped. High relief. Persian art. Achaemenid period. Sculpture on rock

Lion Protome; Unknown; Greece, Crete, Europe; about 650 B.C.; Terracotta; Object: H: 7.6 x Diam.: 7 cm (3 x 2 3/4 in.)

Griffin Protome; Unknown; Greece; about 650 B.C.; Bronze, possibly some lead filling; Object: H: 28.5 x W: 10.7 x D: 9.3 cm (11 1/4 x 4 3/16 x 3 11/16 in.)

Terracotta protome of bearded man
Terracotta protome of a bearded male, perhaps Dionysus, from an Attic or Boeotian workshop c500 BC

Bronze amphora with handles ornamented with horse protomes
Italic civilizations, Piceni, 7th century b.C. Bronze amphora with handles ornamented with horse protomes

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"Unveiling the Majestic World of Protome: A Glimpse into Ancient Art and Mythology" Step back in time to the grandeur of ancient civilizations as we explore the captivating realm of protomes. These remarkable sculptures, often depicting mythical creatures or animal heads, offer a window into the artistic prowess and cultural significance of bygone eras. One such marvel is found within the Palace of Darius I at Apadana, where an awe-inspiring Audience Hall stands as a testament to Persian opulence from the 6th century. Adorned with intricate lion protomes, these majestic figures were likely crafted for thrones that symbolized power and authority. Traveling further through history, we encounter a pair of protomes showcasing the forepart of griffins dating back to 625-575 BCE. With their fierce expressions and meticulous detailing, these mythical beasts embody strength and guardianship. Delving deeper into craftsmanship, we discover bone carvings featuring lion heads with glass inlaid eyes. The exquisite attention to detail on these couch details transports us to an era where even furniture was adorned with artistry. The allure continues with a mesmerizing lion's head protome from the 1st century AD. Crafted using bone and glass materials, this sculpture exemplifies both skillful artistry and technological advancements in ancient times. Venturing beyond lions, vessels terminating in fantastic leonine creatures captivate our imagination. Dating back centuries ago, these artifacts showcase creativity intertwined with mythological symbolism. Not limited to land-dwelling animals alone, rams' heads also find their place among these extraordinary creations. Originating from Osuna (Urso), Spain during Roman civilization between the 1st and 2nd centuries BC. , they serve as reminders of human fascination with nature's diverse wonders.