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Arula (altar)

first quarter of the 5th century BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 152
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.
Eos, goddess of the dawn, pursues the youthful hunter Kephalos on the front of this arula (altar). Used for religious libations and food offerings, arulae have been found in sanctuaries, private houses, and tombs. Mythological scenes on arulae from Selinus often correspond with temple decorations at the site. This example from the Sanctuary of Demeter Malophoros recalls the encounter between Eos and Kephalos on the metope nearby that once adorned a temple on the Acropolis.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Arula (altar)
  • Date: first quarter of the 5th century BCE
  • Culture: Greek
  • Medium: terracotta
  • Dimensions: 18 1/8 × 12 3/16 × 20 7/8 in. (46 × 31 × 53 cm)
  • Classification: Terracottas
  • Credit Line: Lent by the Republic of Italy- Regione Siciliana, Museo archeologico "Antonino Salinas"
  • Object Number: L.2022.43.1
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art