VCU James Branch Cabell Library
James Branch Cabell horse figurine collection
Cabell, James Branch, 1879-1958
M 377
/repositories/5/resources/675
4.33 Linear Feet
4 record storage boxes
Collection contains 56 horse figurines
circa 1926-1951
English
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2
3
4
Use Restrictions
There are no restrictions.
Access restrictions
The collection is open to research.
Preferred Citation
James Branch Cabell horse figurine collection, circa 1926-1951, Collection # M 377, Special Collections and Archives, James Branch Cabell Library, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA.
Acquisition Information
This collection was donated by James Branch Cabell to the University of Florida in 1951. In 2008, this collection (minus one horse figurine) was given to VCU Libraries Special Collections and Archives on indefinite loan.
Biographical / Historical Information
James Branch Cabell, son of Anne Branch and Robert Gamble Cabell, was born in Richmond, Virginia on 14 April 1879. He was educated at the College of William and Mary (B.A. 1898). He worked briefly at the
Richmond Times before moving on to New York where he was a reporter at the New York Herald for two years. In 1901, he held a similar position at the Richmond News. Following his newspaper career he was a free lance writer, held a position in his uncle's coal mining company and held several positions for the Virginia Chapter of the Sons of the Revolution and other societies. He married Priscilla Bradley in 1913. They had one son, Ballard. Priscilla Cabell died in 1948 and Cabell married Margaret Waller Freeman in 1950.Cabell is the author of 52 books in addition to numerous short stories and one play. He is best known for his novel,
Jurgen, which was cited in 1920 for violating New York's pornography law. The novel was cleared in 1922. Other well-known works are Beyond Life, Biography of Manuel, and Cream of the Jest. His publications include genealogy, novels, short stories, poetry and history. His writings were published in magazines, newspapers and anthologies. Cabell had a wide acquaintance in literary circles and maintained extensive correspondence with prominent writers and editors such as H.L. Mencken, Sinclair Lewis, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Carl Van Vechten and Guy Holt. James Branch Cabell died in May 1958, Ballard in 1980 and Margaret Freeman Cabell in 1982. The largest portion of Mr. Cabell's correspondence and manuscripts are located at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.
Arrangement
Horse figurines are intellectually arranged alphabetically. Physically, the figurines are individually labeled and stored in artifact trays. Each box contains 2-3 artifact trays.
Content Description
The James Branch Cabell Horse Figurine collection consists of 55 horse figurines, a letter from James Branch Cabell to Stanley West (former Director of University Libraries at University of Florida), and a copy of a letter to Stanley West from the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings papers, held at University of Florida. The premise of this collection is that Cabell began by imagining that the literary characters he had created and the real-life people he wrote about were his friends, and that they had given these horses as gifts. Looking to myth and legend, Cabell next chose names for his horses from legendary steeds whose characteristics made them appropriate to the imagined giver. These descriptions offer a multi-layered set of allusions bringing together myth, history, Cabell's biography, and his published works. The dates the horse figurines were created is unknown, but Cabell stated in his letter to Stanely West that he began this project in 1926. It is unclear when the collection was completed.
Each horse figurine has an item-level description which contains information about the materiality (e.g., ceramic, molded metal), appearance (e.g., color and stance), and size of the figurine in centimeters. These physical descriptions were drafted by Digital Outreach and Special Projects Librarian Alice Campbell during digitization. The rest of the item-level description was created by Cabell. This original description includes who the imagined gift-givers of each figurine were, and an exhibit label stating where these gift-givers appeared in Cabell's works.
Existence and Location of Copies
Images of the horse figurines are also available via VCU Libraries Digital Collections.
General
Two of Cabell's horse figurines are missing from the original collection of 56 items. It is likely that the two unidentified horse figurines (Horse A, Untitled; Horse B, Untitled) in the collection inventory were originally labelled by Cabell as Horses 10, 27, and/or 43.
Figurines -- Private collections
Animal sculpture -- Private collections
Horses in literature
Animals, Mythical, in literature
Characters and characteristics in literature
figurines
miniature (sculpture)
Correspondence
Cabell, James Branch, 1879-1958 -- Art collections
Horse 1, Abaster/repositories/5/archival_objects/786626 x 2 x 4 cmA small glazed ceramic horse figurine painted a single brown color with the exception of the grey-white rear hooves that do not appear to have been glazed. The horse is depicted standing upright and looking slightly to the left as if preparing to move. The right front leg has been broken off.
1. Abaster. In Greek mythology, one of the horses of Pluto, lord of the infernal regions.
Exhibit label: ABASTER, THE HORSE OF PLUTO. A gift from Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, Adelantado of Florida.
—The First Gentlemen [sic] of America.1Horse 2, Abatos/repositories/5/archival_objects/786636.5 x 2 x 3.5 cmA medium-sized glazed ceramic horse figurine painted brown with one white sock on its right rear leg. The legs are extended and it stands on the tips of its hooves as if in motion.
2. Abatos. Another horse which customarily drew the chariot of Pluto.
Exhibit label: ABATOS, THE HORSE OF PLUTO. A gift from Gaius Julius Caesar the Divine.
—The Sixth Letter, in Ladies and Gentlemen.3Horse 3, Alsvidur/repositories/5/archival_objects/786646.5 x 2 x 6.5 cmA medium-sized glazed ceramic horse figurine. The figurine is painted turquoise with black eyes and nostrils. The texture of its mane, tail, and face are slightly indicated in the molding. "China" is painted on its belly to indicate country of origin.
3. Alsvidur. The horse of Mani, the Moon god, in Scandinavian mythology.
Exhibit label: ALSVIDUR, THE HORSE OF MANI. A gift from Clitandre the Highwayman.
—The Book of Clitandre, in Smith.3Horse 4, Aquiline/repositories/5/archival_objects/786652 x 1 x 2 cmA tiny white ceramic horse figurine with contrasting black snip, forelock, mane, tale and hooves. Fashioned to stand on a green ovoid base that provides support while suggesting grass.
4. Aquiline. The horse of Raymond of Toulouse, who was accounted to be the most sagacious and among the most valiant of the crusadera in Tasse's Jerusalem Delivered, in which epic the horse Aquiline is somewhat elaborately described.
Exhibit label: AQUILINE, THE HORSE OF RAYMOND OF TOULOUSE. A gift from Grace Abundant.
—"Grace Abundant" in Special Delivery.3Horse 5, Arundel/repositories/5/archival_objects/786665.5 x 1 x 3 cmA small cream-colored molded plastic or resin horse figurine, depicted as standing with its front left leg raised. The figure stands on a thin black rectangular base that has short half-spheres that serve as feet. Similar in style to Horse 41.
5. Arundel. The horse of Bevis of Southampton, about whom was written an anonymous medieval romance, and whose exploits are recorded likewise in Drayton's Polyolbion. It is believed that the first form of this romance dates from the tenth century and was based upon the original story of Hamlet in Danish legends.
Exhibit label: ARUNDEL, THE HORSE OF BEVIS OF SOUTHAMPTON. A gift from Rhadamanthus, Judge of All Mankind.3Horse 6, Arvakur/repositories/5/archival_objects/786675 x 1.5 x 3 cmA small glazed ceramic horse figurine painted turquoise with black hooves. The texture of its forelock, mane, and face are included in the molding. The horse bends its head to the ground as if to graze.
6. Arvakur. The horse driven by Sol the Sun-Maid, in Scandinavian mythology.
Exhibit label: ARVAKUR, THE HORSE DRIVEN BY SOL THE SUN-MAID. A gift from Little Smirt of Chang-Chu.3Horse 7, Ass of Balaam the son of Beor/repositories/5/archival_objects/786685 x 1.5 x 3.5 cmA donkey figurine made out of metal, painted white with a pattern that implies hair. It has black hooves and brown on the top of the body and head. There is a bridle on its head, and a keyring is visible on the front part of the neck of the donkey.
7. Ass of Balaam the son of Beor. Its vocal rebuke of the prophet figures in the twenty-second chapter of The Fourth Book of Moses, Called Numbers; and according to the Koran, this was one of the ten animals admitted into heaven.
Exhibit label: THE ASS OF BALAAM, THE SON OF BEOR. A gift from Messire Jurgen of Bellegarde in Poictesme.
—The Twentieth Letter, in Ladies and Gentlemen.1Horse 8, Babieca/repositories/5/archival_objects/7866915 x 3 x 13 cmA molded (hollow) metal horse figurine depicted standing upright on all four legs. The horse is silver in color, molded with an elaborately decorated charro saddle, covered stirrups, fancy parade bridle and breast collar. A chain, similar to a necklace chain, has been secured through a hole in the mouth area to simulate reins.
8. Babieca. The horse of Spain's legendary hero, the Cid (El Cid, Arabic for "the lord"), Don Rodrigo Diaz de Bivar (1040-1099). This horse survived its master by some two and a half years, during which time it was kept saddled and richly caparisoned, but no one was permitted to ride it.
Exhibit label: BABIECA, THE HORSE OF THE CID. A gift from Wiglerus, Prince (and afterward King) of Denmark.
—Hamlet Had an Uncle.2Horse 9, Balios/repositories/5/archival_objects/786707.5 x 2 x 5 cmA small glazed ceramic horse figurine. The horse leans forward with its front left leg bent, as if to drink water or grasp something in its teeth. It is painted a near bright blue with a dark muzzle. The hooves are painted a contrasting reddish brown. The mane and tail are incised to depict the texture of hair.
9. Balios. One of the two semi-divine horses which drew the chariot of Achilles, and which, according to the sixteenth book of the Iliad, had been sired by the West-wind, with the co-operation of the harpy Podargë.
Exhibit label: BALIOS. THE HORSE OF ACHILLES. A gift from Sir John Falstaff of Caister in Norfolk.
—The Twelfth Letter, in Ladies and Gentlemen.1Horse 10, Bayard/repositories/5/archival_objects/78671This figurine is missing or may be one of the two unidentified horses present in the collection. A physical description of this figurine is unavailable.
10. Bayard. The horse of Duke Aymon of Dordogne (as fetched to him from out of hell by the sorcerer Malagigi), and later of Aymon's sons, which grew smaller or larger as one or more of them mounted it. There is an anonymous mediaeval romance, The Four Sons of Aymon, and the chief of them, Rinaldo of Montalban, was among the twelve paladins of Charlemagne. In Ariosto's Orlando Furioso Bayard becomes Bayardo, a partly divine wild horse, once the property of Amadis of Gaul, and Rinaldo is represented as its captor and subsequent master.
A gift from Diego de Arredondo Dodd of St. Augustine, Florida.UnknownHorse 11, Boobrie/repositories/5/archival_objects/786723.5 x 1 x 4 cmA small glazed ceramic horse figurine, painted turquoise, with the texture of its hair and its features depicted in the molding. It has four white socks (markings). The figure is depicted as turning its head back to look behind it.
11. Boobrie. An each-uisg, or green demon water-horse, which haunted the island of Mull, coming ashore to devour both cattle and human beings; but which sometimes assumed the shape of a bull or of an enormous bird, being in all these forms equally treacherous and destructive.
Exhibit label: BOOBRIE, THE DEMON HORSE OF THE ISLAND OF MULL. A gift from Frances Newman.
—"Shades of Purple" in Some of Us.3Horse 12, Brass Horse of Cambuscan, the King of Sarra, in Tartary/repositories/5/archival_objects/786735.5 x 1 x 7 cmA medium-sized brass horse figurine with a slightly abstract and elegant design. The horse stands rigidly on four long, thin legs. The front knees are prominent; the mane is sawtoothed. The figure is attached to a brass base.
12. Brass Horse of Cambuscan, the King of Sarra, in Tartary. Between sunrise and sunset it could convey its rider through the air to any desired place upon earth. It figures in Chaucer's Canterbury Pilgrims (in the unfinished Squire's Tale), as well as in the fourth book of Spencer's [sic] Faëry Queen. There is a yet earlier account of a similarly gifted horse (but made of wood) in "The Ebony Horse," one of the stories included in the Arabian Nights, in which tale the magic steed is ridden by Prince Kamar-al-Akmar of Persia. A gift from Thomas Learmont of Ercildoune, Near the Brook of Goblins.
Exhibit label: BRASS HORSE OF CAMBUSCAN, THE KING OF SARRA, IN TARTARY. A gift from Thomas Learmont of Ercildoune.3Horse 13, Brigliardoro/repositories/5/archival_objects/786742.5 x 1 x 1.5 cmA tiny bisqueware horse with painted black tail and hooves. Its head is bend forward as if it were grazing. Similar in style and size to Horse 17.
13. Brigliadoro. The horse of Orlando, in Ariosto's Orlando Furioso.
Exhibit label: BRIGLIADORO, THE HORSE OF ORLANDO OF ANGLANT. A gift from Ruth Universal.
—"Ruth Universal" in Special Delivery.1Horse 14, Brontë/repositories/5/archival_objects/7867512 x 3 x 13 cmA large ceramic horse figurine that stands attentively on all four feet. Details of the mane, tail, and hooves are included in the molding. The figurine stands on a rectangular base that acts as a pedestal. It appears to form a matched set with Horse 39. Inscribed on the bottom of the base: "To Uncle James / Branch Cabell / from / John [and] Robert / May he live long / Xmas 1936
14. Horse 14. Brontë. In Greek mythology, one of the horses which drew the chariot of Helios the Sun god.
Gift from Tutankhamen, Lord of the Two Lands.2Horse 15, Bucephalos/repositories/5/archival_objects/7867616 x 5 x 8 cmA large glazed ceramic bay horse depicted at rest on the ground with its head held up (sternal recumbency). It has white stockings (markings) on its forelegs and there is a white stripe on its face. Similar in style to Horse 19.
15. Bucephalos. The horse of Alexander the Great, once King of Macedon (340-323 B.C.) This horse was thirty years old when it died; and Alexander built a city in India to be its mausoleum, which he called Bucephala.
>Exhibit label: BUCHEPHALOS, THE HORSE OF ALEXANDER. A gift from Cesario, Prince (and afterward King) of Melphé.
—The King Was in His Counting House.2Horse 16, Celer/repositories/5/archival_objects/786775.5 x 1 x 4 cmA tiny, delicate hand-blown glass horse figurine that was once entirely covered in a silver-white matte finish. The figure appears to be striding into the wind. The hooves are represented by tiny balls of glass; the legs are long and thin. The tail has marks to indicate strands of horsehair; the mane is created with five bits of glass that have been pulled into spikes. The finish has been damaged, revealing the clear glass figure underneath.
16. Celer. The horse of the Roman emperor Lucius Verus (co-ruler with Marcus Aurelius Aontonius, 161-171.) It was fed on almonds and raisins, and adorned with royal purple, and it occupied a personal suite of apartments in the imperial palace.
Exhibit label: CELER, THE HORSE OF THE EMPEROR LUCIUS VERUS. A gift from Sir Richard Cabell of Buckfastleigh in Devon, Lord of the Manor of Brooke.
—The Fifteenth Letter, in Ladies and Gentlemen.1Horse 17, Chetiya/repositories/5/archival_objects/786783 x 1 x 2 cmA tiny bisqueware horse with painted black tail and hooves. It is depicted at rest on the ground with its head held up (sternal recumbency). Similar in style to Horse 13.
17. Chetiya. A yakkhini, or demon, in the form of a mare, who was conquered by, and made the battle-steed of, Pandukabhayo, a preeminent folklore hero in the legends of Ceylon. When captured, Chetiya was a white horse with bright red legs, all four of which after its subjection turned white.
Exhibit label: CHETIYA, THE HORSE OF PANDUKABHAYO. A gift from Solomon, King over Israel.1Horse 18, Coltpixie/repositories/5/archival_objects/786795 x 1 x 3 cmA small, white glazed ceramic horse depicted as rolling on its back with all four legs in the air.
18. Coltpixie. A fairy horse in Celtic mythology noted for its mischief-making.
Exhibit label: COLTPIXIE A gift from Messire Coth of the Rocks, Alderman of St. Didol.1Horse 19, Cyllaros/repositories/5/archival_objects/7868012 x 3 x 11 cmA large glazed ceramic bay horse with white stockings (markings) on its forelegs and a white stripe on its face. The tail is short. It appears to be a young horse standing on four long legs with an arched neck and head bent slightly downward. Similar in style to Horse 15.
19. Cyllaros. In Greek mythology, the horse of Castor, the mortal son of Leda, by her husband Tyndareus, King of Sparta.
Exhibit label: CYLLAROS, THE HORSE OF CASTOR. A gift from Colonel Henry Esmond of Castlewood-in-Virginia.
—"Colonel Esmond of Virginia," in Let Me Lie.4Horse 20, Dinos/repositories/5/archival_objects/7868111 x 4 x 13 cmA large sturdy glazed ceramic horse that is painted turquoise. It stands on four legs and leans its head slightly downward as if snorting. The mane and short tail appear as twisted or braided like rope. Forms a pair with Horse 33.
20. Dinos. One of the man-eating mares of Diomed of Thrace, to capture which was the eighth labor of Hercules.
A gift from Captain José Gasparilla, the King of Pirates.3Horse 21, Epona/repositories/5/archival_objects/786826 x 1.5 x 3 cmA small glazed ceramic horse figurine, depicted with its head leaning forward as if beginning to graze. The horse's coat is grey with black mottling, and its hair and hooves are also black to contrast with the body.
21. Epona. A goddess in the form of a mare who was worshipped by the ancient Gauls.
Exhibit label: EPONA. A gift from Mr. Smith, Lord of the Forest of Branlon.1Horse 22, Ethon, or Aithon/repositories/5/archival_objects/786833 x 0.8 x 3 cmA tiny, delicate ceramic horse figurine standing with its left hind leg slightly bent and its tail flicking. A bay horse that lightens to white on the legs and muzzle. Hooves, tail, mane, and forelock are a contrasting dark brown.
22. Ethon, or Aithon. One of the horses of Hector, in the eighth book of the Illiad.
Exhibit label: ETHON, THE HORSE OF HECTOR. A gift from Ananias, Citizen of Jerusalem.
—The Seventh Letter in Ladies and Gentlemen.1Horse 23, Ferrant d'Espagne/repositories/5/archival_objects/786847 x 1 x 4.5 cmA small glazed ceramic horse figurine with mane, forelock and tail texture represented in the molding. Hair is grey, while the horse's body color is turquoise, a fanciful color not found in nature. The legs are thin and delicate, and the left rear leg has been broken. Similar in style to Horse 37.
23. Ferrant d'Espagne. The horse of Oliver of Sutri, who alone in single combat proved the equal of Roland (cf. Veillantif) in the French legends, or chanson des gestes , concerning Charlemagne.
Exhibit label: FERRANT D'ESPAGNE, THE HORSE OF OLIVER. A gift from Edgar Allan Poe, Esq.
—The Seventeenth Letter, in Ladies and Gentlemen.1Horse 24, Granë/repositories/5/archival_objects/78685This horse figurine is presently missing.
A small silver-cream ceramic horse figurine that stands boldly, looking slightly to the left with a windblown mane and tail. The horse has a headstall but no reins or saddle. [Description from photograph.]
24. Granë. The horse of Brünhilde, in Wagner's operas, Die Walkurë and Götterdämmerung, in the latter of which both she and Granë plunge into the flames of Siegfried's funeral pyre.
Exhibit label: GRANE, THE HORSE OF BRUNNHILDE. A gift from Margaret Waller Freeman, an Editor of The Reviewer.UnknownHorse 25, Harit/repositories/5/archival_objects/786864 x 1.5 x 7 cmA small glazed horse figurine painted a fanciful turquoise. The mane and tail are painted a contrasting black, while the hooves are grey. The horse is depicted looking backward over its left shoulder. The left front and rear legs have been broken.
25. Harit. In Hindu myths, the horse of Surya the Sun god.
Exhibit label: HARIT, THE HORSE OF SURYA. A gift from Dr. Johan Faustus of Kundling, of Cracow, and of Wittenberg.
—The Thirteenth Letter, in Ladies and Gentlemen.1Horse 26, Harpagos/repositories/5/archival_objects/7868711.5 x 2.5 x 12 cmA large glazed ceramic bay horse figurine painted with four white socks (markings). The mane is sculpted to emphasize a rolling rope-like texture as the horse arches its neck to bring its nose near to its chest. The figure stands on four feet. The left ear has been broken.
26. Harpagos. The horse of Pollux, who figures in Greek mythology as the immortal son of Leda, begotten by Zeus in the disguise of a swan, and as the half brother of Castor (cf. Cyllaros), with whom after the latter's death, Pollux divided his immortality.
Exhibit label:
HARPAGOS, THE HORSE OF POLLUX. A gift from Mrs. Louisa Nelson of St. James Street, in Richmond, Virginia.
—"Is of Southern Ladies," in Let Me Lie.3Horse 27, Hófvarpnir/repositories/5/archival_objects/78688This figurine is missing or may be one of the two unidentified horses present in the collection. A physical description of this figurine is unavailable.
27. Hófvarpnir. In the Prose Edda, the horse of Gna, the messenger whom Frigga sent into various worlds on her errands.
Exhibit label: HOFVARPNIR, THE HORSE OF GNA. A gift from Elair the Song-Maker.
—"The Book of Elair," in Smith.UnknownHorse 28, Houyhnhnm/repositories/5/archival_objects/786896.5 x 3 x 3 cmA small grey ceramic horse figurine with black forelock, mane, tail, and hooves. Depicted lying on the ground and looking back over its right side with its left leg extended for balance (sternal recumbency). "Japan" marked on underside to indicate country of manufacture.
28. Houyhnhnm. In this case, representing that special bay horse which became the kindly master and patron of Gulliver, in the fourth book of Swift's Travels of Lemuel Gulliver.
-A gift from Henry Louis Mencken.3Horse 29, Hrimfaxi/repositories/5/archival_objects/786905 x 2 x 5.5 cmA small, white, glazed ceramic horse figurine standing upright its ears laid back and its tail curled. The texture of the mane, face and hooves has been molded into the statue.
29. Hrimfaxi. In Scandinavian mythology, the luminous horse (though sometimes represented as sable-colored) of Nott, or Night. From its bit was supposed to fall the frost and the dew.
Exhibit label: HRIMFAXI, THE HORSE OF NOTT. A gift from Messire Ninzian of Yair, the High Bailiff of Upper Ardra.
—"The Candid Footprint" in The Silver Stallion.1Horse 30, Incitatus/repositories/5/archival_objects/786916 x 2 x 4 cmA small grey ceramic horse figurine with contrasting black forelock, mane, tail and hooves. The mane and tale are molded to suggest the texture of hair. The horse is depicted bending its mouth down to its right knee, as if using its teeth to scratch an itch.
30. Incitatus. The horse of Gaius Cesar Caligula (Roman emperor from 37 to 41, B.C.), which he appointed to be both priest and consul. It had an ivory manger, and in place of water was served with Falerian wine in a golden bucket.
Exhibit label: INCITATUS, THE HORSE OF THE EMPEROR CALIGULA. A gift from the Lady Rebecca Rolfe, Called Pocahontas.
—The Fourteenth Letter, in Ladies and Gentlemen.3Horse 31, Kalki/repositories/5/archival_objects/786926 x 2 x 7 cmA molded metal horse figurine with a worn chrome finish. The figure stands on four legs in a pose of attentive rest. The forelock, mane and tail are textured. A band around the horse may represent a surcingle. There is no other tack.
31. Kalki. In Hindu mythology, the tenth and oncoming avatar of Vishnu, when he will appear in the form of a silver-colored stallion to cleanse the world of all wickedness.
Exhibit label: KALKI. A gift from Gerald Musgrave, Esq., of Lichfield and the Marches of Antan.4Horse 32, Kelpie of the Black Glen/repositories/5/archival_objects/786937 x 1.5 x 6.5 cmA medium-sized ceramic horse figurine that is molded in a single piece with the flared base on which it rests. The glaze is a gradient green that changes from nearly white to a very dark green. The horse's forelock, mane and ears appear to have black accents. The tail attaches at both top and bottom in a ring-like shape, almost like a handle.
32. Kelpie of the Black Glen. One of the best known among the water horses of Scots fairy mythology.
Exhibit label: KELPIE OF THE BLACK GLEN. A gift from Prospero, Duke of Milan.
—"Duke Prospero at Milan," in These Restless Heads.1Horse 33, Lampon/repositories/5/archival_objects/7869410.5 x 5 x 12 cmA large sturdy glazed ceramic horse that is painted turquoise. It stands on four legs and leans its head slightly downward as if snorting. The mane and short tail appear as twisted or braided like rope. Forms a pair with Horse 20.
33. Lampon. The other man-eating mare, with Dinos (q.v.) which was owned by Diomed of Thrace and captured by Hercules.
A gift from Odo le Noir, Bishop of Valnéres3Horse 34, Nightmare/repositories/5/archival_objects/786955.5 x 2 x 6.5 cmA heavy, medium-sized, carved soapstone horse figurine. The horse's face, bridle, hair, and ribs are depicted in the carving. Color is suggested by the natural color variation of the soapstone.
34. Nightmare. Requires no explanation among fairly sturdy eaters.
Exhibit label: NIGHTMARE. A gift from Messire Miramon of Ranec, Lord Seneschal of Gontaron.
—"The Bright Bees of Toupan" in The Silver Stallion.1Horse 35, Ocyrrhoë/repositories/5/archival_objects/7869612 x 4 x 20 cmA very large ceramic horse figurine with a matte finish. The figure stands forcefully on four legs with the front legs completely rigid and the back legs slightly extended behind as if to emphasize the muscles in its hindquarters. The head is positioned in alignment with the rigid front legs to emphasize strength and nobility. The tail is curled up in a knot.
35. Ocyrrhoë. According to the Metamorphoses of Ovid, a nymph who was a daughter of the famous pedagogic centaur Chiron; and who talked so freely concerning Jupiter that the offended deity transformed her into a mare. A gift from Ettarre la Beale, the Witch-Woman.4Horse 36, Papillon/repositories/5/archival_objects/786976 x 1.3 x 5 cmA small purple horse figurine made from glazed ceramic. The mane, tail, and hooves are painted black. The figure stands on four feet and turns its slightly raised head to the right.
36. Papillon. A lutin or fairy, condemned to wear the form of a horse for three hundred years, who, in the legends concerning Charlemagne, befriended Ogier the Dane and conveyed him to Avalon.
Exhibit label: PAPILLON, THE FRIEND OF OGIER THE DANE. A gift from Messire Gonfal of Naimes, Margrave of Aradol.
—"The Mathematics of Gonfal" in The Silver Stallion.3Horse 37, Passetruel, or Passe Brewell/repositories/5/archival_objects/786985 x 2 x 5 cmA small glazed ceramic horse figurine with mane, forelock and tail texture represented in the molding. Hair is grey, while the horse's body color is turquoise, a fanciful color not found in nature. The legs are thin and delicate as the horse stand upright with its head turned slightly to the left and it's right front leg resting on its toe. Similar in style to Horse 23.
37. Passetruel, or Passe Brewell. In Arthurian legends, the horse of Sir Tristra of Lyonesse.
Exhibit label: PASSETRUEL, THE HORSE OF TRISTRAM OF LYONESSE. A gift from Volmar the Drunken Liar.
—"The Book of Volmar" in Smith.1Horse 38, Phaeton/repositories/5/archival_objects/786994 x 1 x 4 cmA small cream-colored molded plastic or resin horse figurine, depicted as standing with its front right leg raised and its tail flying behind it, suggesting the animal is in motion. The figure stands on a brown oval base.Similar in style to Horse 41
38. Phaeton. One of the horses of Aurora, the goddess of dawn, in Greek mythology.
Exhibit label: PHARTON [sic], THE HORSE OF AURORA. A gift from Henry [sic] Sinclair Lewis.3Horse 39, Philogeia/repositories/5/archival_objects/7870012 x 5 x 12.5 cmA large ceramic horse figurine that stands attentively on all four feet. Details of the mane, tail, and hooves are included in the molding. The figurine stands on a rectangular base that acts as a pedestal. It appears to form a matched set with Horse 14.
39. Philogeia. In Greek mythology, in common with Brontë (q.v.), one of the horses of Helios the Sun god.
Exhibit label: PHILOGEIA, HORSE OF THE SUN. A gift from Ellen Glasgow.
—"Miss Glasgow of Virginia, " in Let Me Lie.2Horse 40, Phrenicos/repositories/5/archival_objects/787014 x 1 x 4 cmA small bisqueware horse with hair texture and musculature depicted in the molding. The mane, forelock, tail and hooves are painted a dark grey. The horse looks straight ahead and while standing upright and resting its left hind leg with the toe touching the ground.
40. Phrenicos. The horse, pre-eminent for its sagacity, of Hiero the First, tyrant of Syracuse (478-467 B. C.), which won the prize for single horses in the seventy-third Olympiad.
Exhibit label: PHRENICOS, THE HORSE OF HIERO THE FIRST, TYRANT OF SYRACUSE. A gift from Mr. Thomas Ritchie of Tappahannock, Virginia, Editor of the Richmond Enquirer.1Horse 41, Podargos/repositories/5/archival_objects/787024.5 x 0.5 x 3.5 cmA small cream-colored molded plastic or resin horse figurine, depicted as standing with its front right leg raised and its tail flying behind it, suggesting the animal is in motion. The figure stands on a thin black rectangular base that has short half-spheres that serve as feet.Similar in style to Horse 5 and Horse 38.
41. Podargos. It, in the eighth book of the Illiad, in common with Ethon (q.v.), was one of the four horses which drew the chariot of Hector.
Exhibit label: PODARGOS, THE HORSE OF HECTOR. A gift from Elinor Wylie.
—"Sanctuary in Porcelain" in Some of Us.3Horse 42, Red Horse of the Apocalypse/repositories/5/archival_objects/787036 x 1 x 3 cmA small ceramic horse figurine glazed to represent a bay horse with a reddish coat and a black mane, forelock, and tail. The animal is depicted running with legs extended and its tail flying behind it. Its head inclines slightly to the left and downward. The figurine rests on the tips of all four legs.
42. Red Horse of the Apocalypse. One of the four horses which appeared to St. John at Patmos, according to the sixth chapter of The Revelation of St. John the Divine.
Exhibit label: RED HORSE OF THE APOCALYPSE. A gift from St. John the Evangelist.
—The St. Johns.2Horse 43, Rosinantë/repositories/5/archival_objects/78704This figurine is missing or may be one of the two unidentified horses present in the collection. A physical description of this figurine is unavailable.
43. Rosinantë. The horse of the knight of La Mancha in Cervantes' Don Quixote.
Exhibit label: ROSINANTE,THE HORSE OF DON QUIXOTE. A gift from Ǣsred, Our Lady of Compromise.
—"Before Ǣsred in Autumn" in These Restless Heads.UnknownHorse 44, Rudiobus/repositories/5/archival_objects/787056 x 1 x 8 cmA medium-sized ceramic horse figurine that stands upright with its head raised and its nose pointed upward. The texture of the mane, forelock and tail have been molded into the figurine, which is glazed with yellow, green, brown, and white patches. "China" is painted on the underside to indicate the figurine's country of manufacture.
44. Rudiobus. The Horse god worshipped by the Gauls in and about Orléans, where an image of this deity is yet preserved.
Exhibit label: RUDIOBUS, THE HORSE GOD OF ORLEANS. A gift from Smire, Poietes, the Peripatetic Episcopalian.
—Smire.1Horse 45, Ruksh/repositories/5/archival_objects/787065.5 x 2 x 5 cmA small glazed ceramic horse figurine in a deep emerald green. The horse raises its right front hoof and stands on the other three legs. Its head is turned slightly to the left. The left ear has been chipped.
45. Ruksh. The horse of Rustam, the Persian hero, famous in legend and commemorated by Matthew Arnold in Sohrab and Rostam, in which poem Ruksh is described at considerable length.
Exhibit label: RUKSH,THE HORSE RUSTAM. A gift from Alfgar, King of Ecben.1Horse 46, Saranyu/repositories/5/archival_objects/787076.5 x 1.5 x 3 cmA small glazed ceramic horse figurine painted a fanciful turquoise not found in nature. The mane, tail and one hoof are painted grey. The horse rests on the ground in sternal recumbency with the left front leg extended. Its head is turned to look behind where it rests. The horse's ribs are visible on both sides.
46. Saranyu. The wife of Vivasat, the Hindu Sun god. She found the embraces of her husband too warm for endurance, and so, after having created a phantom likeness to fill her place, transformed herself into a mare, in which disguise she escaped from connubial embarrassments, and became the mother of twin deities, the Asvins.
Exhibit label: SARANYU, THE WIFE OF VIVASAT. A gift from Messire Kerin of Nointel, Syndic and Castellan of Basardra.
—"What Saraide Wanted" in The Silver Stallion.1Horse 47, Sharatz/repositories/5/archival_objects/787088.5 x 2 x 6 cmA medium-sized glazed horse figurine with its front right hoof raised as if preparing to step forward. The body is a fanciful turquoise color painted with a pattern of black flower-like cruciform designs. The tail, mane, forelock and hooves are also painted black. "China" is painted underneath to indicate country of manufacture.
47. Sharatz. The horse of King Marko, the chief legendary hero of Serbian folk lore. Sharatz and Marko are reputed to be slumbering in a cave upon Mount Urvina, from which they will both return to liberate Serbia, when once Sharatz has finished eating the bales of hay stored up in this cavern as its fodder.
Exhibit label: SHERATZ [sic], THE HORSE OF KING MARCO [sic] OF SERBIA. A gift from Smirt, the Master of Gods.
—Smirt.1Horse 48, Shebdiz/repositories/5/archival_objects/787094 x 3 x 1.5 cmA small glazed ceramic horse figurine standing on four feet with its head turned to look to the right. Its body is turquoise in color with four white socks (markings), a black mane, forelock, and tail.
48. Shebdiz. The horse of Khosru Parvis, "the Conqueror," more generally known as Chosroes the Second of Persia (590-628.)
Exhibit label: SHEBDIZ, THE HORSE OF CHOSROES THE SECOND. A gift from Jonah-ben-Amittai of Gath-heper.
—The Fifth Letter in Ladies and Gentlemen.3Horse 49, Skinfaxi/repositories/5/archival_objects/787108 x 2 x 7 cmA sturdy, medium-sized horse figurine. It is painted grey with darker grey speckles, mane, forelock, tail and hooves. The molding depicts ribs on both sides of the abdomen. The animal stands equally on all four legs. "China" is painted on the underside to indicate the country of manufacture.
49. Skinfaxi. In the Prose Edda, the bright horse of Dagg, or Day. From its mane was shed light over the earth and the heavens.
Exhibit label: SKINFAXI, THE HORSE OF DAG. A gift from His Excellency George Washington.
—The Sixteenth Letter in Ladies and Gentlemen.1Horse 50, Splendid Mane/repositories/5/archival_objects/787115 x 1 x 4 cmA small, two-tone grey ceramic horse figurine, with molded texture to represent realistic hair and musculature. It turns its head to the left and slightly downwards. The mane, forelock, tail and hooves are painted a contrasting dark grey, while the body is pale. Left ear is broken off. "China" is stamped underneath on abdomen.
50. Splendid Mane. The horse of the Gaelic water god, Manannan mac Lir (Manannan, son of the ocean), the patron of sailors, and lord of Emhain, "that land of many-colored hospitality," which was the Celtic Hesperides, in the far West. Splendid Mane was reputed to carry its master alike about earth and upon the surface of the sea, "more swiftly than the winds of spring."
Exhibit label: SPLENDID MANE, THE HORSE OF MAHANNAN MAC LIR. A gift from Madoc of Kett.
—"The Music from Behind the Moon" in the Witch-Woman.1Horse 51, Svaldifari/repositories/5/archival_objects/7871215.7 x 5 x 14.5 cmA large glazed ceramic bay horse with four white socks (leg markings) and a white stripe on its face. The horse figurine is painted with a black forelock, mane, dorsal stripe and tail. It stands on four feet in an alert, but relaxed pose. The figurine stands on a slim rectangular base. The underside of the base is marked "Made in Japan."
51. Svaldifari. In Scandinavian mythology, the stallion who begot upon Loki, when temporarily the god of mischief had assumed the form of a mare, the eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, upon which Odin the All-Father rode customarily about the heavens. A gift from Nemattanon, Called Don Luis de Velasco.2Horse 52, Traveller/repositories/5/archival_objects/787138 x 2 x 7.5 cmA molded metal horse depicted with little tack other than a headstall and perhaps a surcingle. The figure stands on four feet looking forward attentively. Its long tail rests against the left hind leg.
52. Traveller. The horse of General Robert E. Lee during the War Between the States (1861-1865) Its stuffed body is still preserved at Lexington, Virginia. [Editor's note: Interred 1971]
Exhibit label: TRAVELLER, THE HORSE OF GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE. A gift from Robert Edward Lee.4Horse 53, Veillantif/repositories/5/archival_objects/787144 x 2 x 7 cmA small glazed ceramic horse figurine, colored a fanciful turquoise. The horse stands upright with its head raised, looking attentively up and to the right. The figurine's left front leg has been broken.
53. Veillantif. The horse of Roland, the most famous of all the paladins of Charlemagne in the French legends concerning that emperor. In the Italian versions, Roland becomes Orlando, and Veillantif is called Brigliardoro (q.v.).
Exhibit label: VEILLANTIF, THE HORSE OF ROLAND. A gift from Joseph Hergesheimer.1Horse 54, White Horse of Rhesus/repositories/5/archival_objects/787154.5 x 3 x 5 cmA small, white, glazed ceramic horse figurine depicted as resting its weight on its back legs and extending both front legs forward. Its neck is arched gracefully as it leans its head slightly downward. The horse's tail is styled into a bun or knot.
54. White Horse of Rhesus, the son of King Eioneus of Thrace. The tenth book of the Iliad relates how this horse and its three companions were stolen in a night raid conducted by the two Grecian leaders, Odysseus of Ithaca and Diomedes of Aetolia.
Exhibit label: WHITE HORSE OF RHESUS. A gift from Sir Galahad of the Siege Perilous.1Horse 55, White Surrey/repositories/5/archival_objects/7871611.5 x 4 x 14 cmA white, glazed ceramic vase in the shape of an Art Deco style horse. The horse stands on four legs upon an oval base with triangular edging. The horse's mane is stylized and its tail is short as if styled in a bun. Stamped on the underside of the base are the words "Made in P. V. Czechoslovakia" indicating the vase was made during the interwar period (ca. 1918-1938). Similar in style to Horse 52.
55. White Surrey. The favorite horse of King Richard the Third of England (1483-1485), that monarch as whom, in Shakespeare's play concerning him, John Wilkes Booth is said to have appeared at his best.
Exhibit label: WHITE SURREY, THE HORSE OF KING RICHARD THE THIRD. A gift from Mr. John Wilkes Booth.
—The Eighteenth Letter in Ladies and Gentlemen.2Horse 56, Xanthos/repositories/5/archival_objects/787176 x 1 x 4 cmA small brownish-yellow glazed horse figurine that stands with its right front leg raised. The texture of its mane and tail hair is indicated by grooves in the figure.
56. Xanthos. The twin brother of Balios (q.v.) The nineteenth book of the Iliad relates how the horse Xanthos was of a sudden endowed with speech by Hera, and announced to its master Achilles his approaching death.
Exhibit label: XANTHOS, THE HORSE OF ACHILLES. A gift from Messire Donander of Évre, the Thane of Aigremont.
—"Above Paradiso" in The Silver Stallion.3Untitled Horse A/repositories/5/archival_objects/787185.5 x 2 x 7.5 cmA small glazed ceramic horse figurine. The horse stands upright and pridefully. It is painted a near bright blue with a dark muzzle. The hooves are painted a contrasting reddish brown. The mane and tail are incised to depict the texture of hair.4Untitled Horse B/repositories/5/archival_objects/787195 x 1.5 x 3 cmA small teal-colored glazed ceramic horse figurine painted with a black forelock, mane, tail and hooves. The body has large halo spots with dark centers that resemble flowers and, like the coloration, are not found in nature. The figure lifts it's right front leg and extends its left rear leg in an unnatural and unbalanced pose.3