Published Hellenistic Bronze Frog

Culture: Greek

Period: 3rd-1st century B.C.

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: 6 cm x 6.5 cm

Price: Sold

Ref: 2406

Provenance: Private collection Leo Mildenberg (1913-2001). Published in “Tierbilder aus vier Jahrtausenden – Antiken der Sammlung Mildenberg“, fig. 160, page 169, Mainz 1983. Thence collection Steve Rubinger, USA. Last with gallery Antiqua, California with the inventory number LM7.

Condition: Intact with wonderful red-brown patina.

Description: Solid and very realistically worked out bronze frog. The animal is depicted in a crouching position, the forelegs ready to jump, slightly raised. Between the toes are swim skin. The head also raised, the button-like eyes almost facing the viewer. The animal could be associated with the mythological narratives of the goddess Leto. Zeus’ lover fled from jealous Hera from the island of Delos and stopped in Lycia where she wanted to drink water from a lake. However, the farmers refused her, which is why Leto turned them into frogs as a punishment. Published in “Tierbilder aus vier Jahrtausenden – Antiken der Sammlung Mildenberg“, fig. 160, page 169.