Reclining Bull c. 3000

This tiny sculpture of a bull, made from stone, is currently held at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The bull has been carved with smooth, rounded forms, simplified so that its essence is captured. I imagine the hand of the anonymous maker carefully chiseling away at the hard stone, feeling the emerging form bit by bit, working with patience and precision. The creamy color of the stone gives the little sculpture a quiet, understated presence, while the subtle variations in tone and texture evoke a sense of warmth. There's a tactile quality to the work—I wonder if the sculptor deliberately left traces of the carving process on the surface. It's kind of amazing how they were able to give this bull so much personality in such a small-scale work. And what does it mean to depict a bull? It’s a kind of symbol of strength and fertility that resonates with a rich cultural history. It makes me think about other artists who’ve taken on the challenge of animal representation, each bringing their own perspective to the age-old subject.