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Metope

480–470 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.
The gods of ancient Greece are known for their pursuit of mortal women. But a few goddesses also were active in seeking out mortal lovers. On this metope from a temple on the Acropolis of Selinus, Eos, goddess of the dawn, approaches the Athenian youth, Kephalos, captivating him with her gaze. The scene captures the moment before his abduction, as depicted on the arula (altar) displayed nearby, where the goddess has already grasped Kephalos’ hands to prevent his escape. Depictions of Eos’ love-pursuits are widespread in Greek vase painting, but the use of the theme for architectural decoration and arulae is unique to Sicily.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Metope
  • Date: 480–470 BCE
  • Culture: Greek
  • Medium: Limestone
  • Dimensions: 24 5/8 × 29 5/16 × 11 13/16 in. (62.5 × 74.5 × 30 cm)
  • Classification: Stone Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Lent by the Republic of Italy- Regione Siciliana, Museo archeologico "Antonino Salinas"
  • Object Number: L.2022.43.2
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art