Marble seated harp player

Unknown

2800–2700 BCE · Marble · Greek and Roman Art

This figure of a seated man playing a harp is among the earliest of the few known Cycladic representations of musicians. With its balanced proportions and engaging sense of movement, it is one of the most accomplished examples. The artist used the limited tools available with great technical skill. The harp’s extremely delicate arch was achieved by gently grinding down the stone with natural abrasives such as sand, pumice, and emery.

Artist

Unknown

Date

2800–2700 BCE

Medium

Marble

Culture

Cycladic

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1947