Fragment of a limestone relief with standing figure

Unknown

4th–3rd century BCE · Limestone · Greek and Roman Art

A figure, possibly Orpheus, standing with right foot resting on a short pedastal. The scene comprised of three fragments may symbolize the journey of the deceased to the Underworld. To the left, 1996.151.1, are Hades and Persephone enthroned; at center, 1996.151.2, the standing figure may be Orpheus, and to the right, 1996.305, Hermes, who conducted the souls of the dead to Hades, takes the hand of a woman dressed in a chiton, with her himation (cloak) pulled over her head and around her waist. She stands in front of a cave-like opening that represents the entrance to the Underworld. Such reliefs are known to have been popular on funerary monuments at Tarentum.

Artist

Unknown

Date

4th–3rd century BCE

Medium

Limestone

Culture

Greek, South Italian, Tarentine

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1996