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Limestone funerary stele (shaft) surmounted by two sphinxes

last quarter of the 5th century BCE
Not on view
Elegant sphinxes are positioned back-to-back with their heads turned so that they could be seen in three-quarters perspective. The calm beauty of the creature's head, the form of the palmettes, and the egg and dart molding that decorates the base of the platform are typical of Greek art of the fifth century B.C.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Limestone funerary stele (shaft) surmounted by two sphinxes
  • Period: Classical
  • Date: last quarter of the 5th century BCE
  • Culture: Cypriot
  • Medium: Limestone
  • Dimensions: WebPub GR 2012 Cesnola: 34 3/4 × 26 15/16 in., 191 lb. (88.2 × 68.5 cm)
  • Classification: Stone Sculpture
  • Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
  • Object Number: 74.51.2499
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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Limestone funerary stele (shaft) with a "Cypriot capital", Limestone, Cypriot
Limestone funerary stele (shaft) with a "Cypriot capital"
Cypriot
5th century BCE
Limestone head of beardless male votary, Limestone, Cypriot
Limestone head of beardless male votary
Cypriot
mid–1st century BCE
Limestone head of a bearded man, Limestone, Cypriot
Limestone head of a bearded man
Cypriot
early 6th century BCE
Limestone statue of Aphrodite holding winged Eros, Limestone, Cypriot
Limestone statue of Aphrodite holding winged Eros
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late 4th century BCE
Limestone sarcophagus, Limestone, Cypriot
Limestone sarcophagus
Cypriot
ca. 475–450 BCE

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