Classical

Fragmentary limestone Cypriot capital

This capital, with carved decoration on only one side, is of a type known only on Cyprus. Like the more complete version (74.51.2493) displayed nearby, two pairs of curved frondlike forms surround an elaborate "tree of life," a motif well known in Near Eastern art. Two sphinxes standing on lotus stems place a paw against the tree. WebPub GR 2012 Cesnola: 26 1/2 × 36 in., 68 lb. (67.3 × 91.4 cm, 30.8 kg)

Classification

Object type: Architectural element
Motifs: Tree and sacred tree, Sphinx and griffin, Lotus
Material: StoneLimestone
Period: Iron AgeCypro-Classical
Date: 499 - 400 BC
Place of production: Cyprus
Findspot: Golgoi

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Collection

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Provenance

From the necropolis of Golgoi

References

Cesnola, Luigi Palma di. 1885. A Descriptive Atlas of the Cesnola Collection of Cypriote Antiquities in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Vol. 1. pl. C.672, Boston: James R. Osgood and Company.Myres, John L. 1914. Handbook of the Cesnola Collection of Antiquities from Cyprus. no. 1417, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art.Mercklin, Eugen von. 1962. Antike Figuralkapitelle. no. 66, p. 21, fig. 88, Berlin: W. de Gruyter & Co.Hermary, Antoine and Joan R. Mertens. 2013. The Cesnola Collection of Cypriot Art : Stone Sculpture. no. 473, p. 340, Online Publication, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Identifiers

Accession no.: 74.51.2497, Metropolitan Museum of Art
In catalogues: Myres 1914, no. 1417
Mercklin 1962, no. 66
Hermary 2013, no. 473

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Fragmentary limestone Cypriot capital

Classification

Identifiers

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