Fragment of a limestone relief with enthroned couple

4th–3rd century BCE

Not on view

Restituted

This artwork was restituted in August 2025. It is no longer in the museum’s collection.

The scene comprised of three fragments may symbolize the journey of the deceased to the Underworld. To the left, 1996.151.1, are Hades and Persephone enthroned; at center, 1996.151.2, the standing figure may be Orpheus, and to the right, 1996.305, Hermes, who conducted the souls of the dead to Hades, takes the hand of a woman dressed in a chiton, with her himation (cloak) pulled over her head and around her waist. She stands in front of a cave-like opening that represents the entrance to the Underworld. Such reliefs are known to have been popular on funerary monuments at Tarentum.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Fragment of a limestone relief with enthroned couple
Period: Late Classical or Hellenistic
Date: 4th–3rd century BCE
Culture: Greek, South Italian, Tarentine
Medium: Limestone
Dimensions: Overall: 13 x 14 1/4 x 3 3/4in. (33 x 36.2 x 9.5cm)
Classification: Stone Sculpture
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1996
Object Number: 1996.151.1
Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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