Fragment of a limestone relief with a tree and birds of prey

Unknown

early 5th century BCE · Limestone · Greek and Roman Art

The block, preserved in its full width, but broken both above and below, shows, in low relief, a tree with a narrow trunk. Branches with different kinds of leaves, some oval, some pointed, are grafted diagonally to the trunk—unless the oval ones represent fruit. Two birds, with summarily rendered wings and plumage and facing in opposite directions, stand in profile on two of these branches, now lost below the break. Their hooked beaks designate them as birds of prey. The one on the right, almost worked in sunk relief, is larger and more carefully worked.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 5th century BCE

Medium

Limestone

Culture

Cypriot

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76