Tauroctony framed by acanthus leaves

TNMM 1387

A Roman carved stone panel of Mithras Tauroctonus 2nd/3rd century A.D. Depicting the god in Phrygian cap looking back, grabbing the bull by the nostrils with his left hand and plunging the dagger into the bull with his right as the hound and snake drink from the wound, a scorpion attacks the bull’s genitals, Cautopotes to the left holding his torch downward and Sol in the upper left corner, Cautes to the right holding his torch upward and Luna above, the scene surrounded by a border of acanthus leaves; the panel cracked in three pieces, numerous restorations and the whole mounted in concrete.

Height 33 1/4in (84.5cm); length 50 1/4in (127.5cm)

Auction details

THE COLLECTION OF SIR DANIEL DONOHUE

4 April 2011, 10:00 PDT

7601 W. Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles

Sold for US$109,800 inc. premium