Shield bearer

ca. 600–480 BCE
Not on view
The cylindrical body, flaring at the bottom, is handmade and solid. His right forearm is missing.

Military representations were popular in the Cypro-Archaic period. During the seventh and sixth centuries B.C., foreign soldeirs were present on Cyprus. Cypriots also served as mercenaries in foreign armies. Contemporaneous Assyrian art often depicted military themes.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Shield bearer
  • Period: Cypro-Archaic II
  • Date: ca. 600–480 BCE
  • Culture: Cypriot
  • Medium: Terracotta; hand-made
  • Dimensions: H. 6 9/16 in. (16.7 cm)
  • Classification: Terracottas
  • Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
  • Object Number: 74.51.1654
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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