Bronze handle of a patera (shallow basin) in the form of a youth

Unknown

ca. late 6th century BCE · Bronze · Greek and Roman Art

During the late sixth and fifth centuries B.C., paterae with figural handles were produced in Greece as well as Southern Italy. The cicada-like insect under the youth's feet recalls the myth of Eos, the goddess of dawn, and her Trojan lover, Tithonos, whom the god Zeus made immortal at Eos's behest. Because she forgot to request eternal youth for Tithonos, he grew old and shriveled away until nothing remained but a wizened, chirping cicada.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. late 6th century BCE

Medium

Bronze

Culture

Greek

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Gift of Stark and Michael Ward, in honor of Carlos A. Picón, 2005