Marble and limestone statue of an attendant

Greek, South Italian, Tarentine

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 162


The dress and cap of this figure were once painted with a brilliant Egyptian blue pigment. A vibrant red cinnabar mixed with red ocher and possibly lead white was applied to the lips. The colors, identified by scientific analyses, enhanced both the smooth surface of the imported Greek marble used for the head and face and the rougher finish of the limestone body. Sculptures carved from different stone types were common in the Hellenistic period in Southern Italy. This statue was likely part of a funerary group. The young attendant probably looks up at her mistress—the deceased—and offers her a box of jewelry, a common motif on funerary monuments.

Marble and limestone statue of an attendant, Marble and limestone, Greek, South Italian, Tarentine

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Marble and limestone statue of an attendant, Marble and limestone, Greek, South Italian, Tarentine
Marble and limestone statue of an attendant, Marble and limestone, Greek, South Italian, Tarentine
Marble and limestone statue of an attendant, Marble and limestone, Greek, South Italian, Tarentine
Marble and limestone statue of an attendant, Marble and limestone, Greek, South Italian, Tarentine
Marble and limestone statue of an attendant, Marble and limestone, Greek, South Italian, Tarentine
Marble and limestone statue of an attendant, Marble and limestone, Greek, South Italian, Tarentine
Marble and limestone statue of an attendant, Marble and limestone, Greek, South Italian, Tarentine
Marble and limestone statue of an attendant, Marble and limestone, Greek, South Italian, Tarentine
Marble and limestone statue of an attendant, Marble and limestone, Greek, South Italian, Tarentine

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.