AN ANCIENT GREEK BRONZE ILLYRIAN HELMET WITH HORSES 600-500 BC (ED.24.042)

This exceptional artefact is a Greek Illyrian-type helmet, dating to the 6th–5th century B.C. It is distinguished by its thick, encrusted patina, which provides a tangible record of its millennia-long burial and the conditions that preserved it through time. What sets this piece apart is the richness of its decoration. On the front, two finely incised horse heads in profile are visible. In addition, the sides are ornamented with intricate acanthus leaf motifs, demonstrating the artistic sensibilities of the period and the skill of its maker. Such elaborate decoration is rarely encountered on helmets of this type.

In Ancient Greece, the horse was a powerful symbol of wealth, nobility, military strength, and divine favour. Because horse ownership was largely restricted to the aristocracy, it became closely associated with status and prestige. Horses played important roles in warfare, sport, mythology, and art, serving as emblems of speed, courage, and excellence. They were also linked to the god Poseidon and featured prominently in Greek myths, reinforcing their sacred significance. When depicted on Greek helmets, horse motifs were far more than decorative elements; they conveyed the wearer’s elite status, martial prowess, and possible connection to cavalry service. Such imagery may also have invoked divine protection while expressing qualities admired in battle, including agility, power, and dominance. Through these motifs, Greek armourers combined artistic skill with symbolic meaning, creating helmets that proclaimed both the warrior’s individual identity and their place within the broader traditions of Greek culture and warfare.

Provenance

  • Private Greek Australian collector Elias (Louis) Dounis, acquired November 2024 (ED.24.042).

  • With a private New York collector acquired 05.10.2010.

  • With Art Ancient Gallery London, in the collection of Costas Paraskevaides acquired in 2009.

  • Formerly in the private collection of Dr. P, acquired in the 1990s.

  • Originally in the collection of Mr. Morgan, acquired on the German art market in the 1970s.

Exhibitions

  • Freeman’s | Hindman’s Gallery; 32 East 67th St, New York.

    Exhibition; Love & War, 25.9.2024 - 4.10.2024

  • The Hellenic Museum Australia.

    280 William St, Melbourne VIC 3000.

    Exhibition; Heroes & Hoplites, Warfare In Ancient Greece, 2019.

    Identifier: L.2024.8.A

Publications

  • Hixenbaugh, R. (2019) “Ancient Greek Helmets: A Complete Guide” p.312, n.l255.

  • Freeman’s | Hindman’s (2024). “The Eye, Fall/Winter” p.25.

  • Dounis, C. (2024). “Comprehensive Study: Greek Bronze Illyrian Helmet” Report.

Find Spot

Unknown, possibly Greece or further north, where a number of similar helmets have been excavated. Possibly discovered in a tomb which was customary for the time and would also explains in tack survival over the millenniums.

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