Statuette of a Cow Nursing a Calf

The statuette, made of solid-cast bronze, depicts a cow nursing a calf. The two figures are set on a rectangular base. The cow is shown standing, with her head turned back to the right as she looks toward her young. The calf is depicted bending on its forelegs, with its head pressed to the mother’s udders. The state of preservation of the bronze does not allow a clear observation of most anatomical details, with the exception of the tails of both animals, which rest against the rear of their bodies.

The statuette belonged to a group of six small bronzes found in the domestic shrine (lararium) of one of the houses of Copiae. Within this context of private worship, the image of a cow nursing her calf may have symbolized motherhood and the generative power of nature, while also evoking nourishment, protection, and renewal.