Limestone statue of an enthroned youth
This seated figure holding a roll of manuscript across his knees and a stylus in his right hand could represent a priest of high rank who transcribed oracles or other declarations of the god he served. The remains of a bird perched on his left hand and the elaborate throne with animals at the side suggest, however, that this statuette represents a deity—probably Apollo, the god of poetry and art, famous for his oracles. The bird may well have been a raven, the bird that often accompanies Apollo.
Artwork Details
- Title: Limestone statue of an enthroned youth
- Period: Hellenistic
- Date: 3rd century BCE
- Culture: Cypriot
- Medium: Limestone
- Dimensions: WebPub GR 2012 Cesnola: 15 1/8 × 7 3/4 × 4 3/4 in., 12 lb. (38.4 × 19.7 × 12.1 cm, 5.4 kg)
- Classification: Stone Sculpture
- Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
- Object Number: 74.51.2708
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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late 4th century BCE
ca. 530–520 BCE
early 5th century BCE
mid–1st century BCE
early 6th century BCE
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