Cypriot / Sarcophagus / second quarter of 5th century B.C.

Cypriot
Sarcophagus
second quarter of 5th century B.C.
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Creator Nationality: European; Southern European; Cypriot
Creator Name-CRT: Cypriot
Title: Sarcophagus
View: Principal view
Creation Start Date: 0
Creation End Date: 0
Creation Date: second quarter of 5th century B.C.
Object Type: Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Materials and Techniques: Limestone
Dimensions: H. 62 in. (157.5 cm)
Description: The Amathus sarcophagus, from Amathus, Cyprus, arguably the single most important object in the Cesnola Collection, is unique among ancient Cypriot sculptures in its monumentality and in the preservation of its polychromy . It probably belonged to one of the kings of Amathus. The primary scenes, on the long sides, show a procession of chariots escorted by attendants on horseback and followed by foot soldiers. The main personage is probably the driver, who is standing under a parasol in the first chariot. His horses, like the others, are richly caparisoned; his chariot resembles the others as well, except that the wheel has fewer spokes. The decoration of the short ends of the sarcophagus consists of a row of Astarte figures, nude except for their double necklaces and ear caps, and a row of Bes figures. The choice of these two deities?one Near Eastern, the other Egyptian?suggests the importance of procreation to the deceased. The figural panels are framed by a variety of vegetal ornaments, while the gabled lid once featured a pair of sphinxes and a palmette at each end. The iconography as a whole documents the thorough integration of Greek, Cypriot, Persian, and Egyptian features in middle fifth-century B.C. works of high quality.
AMICA Contributor: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Owner Location: New York, New York
ID Number: 74.51.2453
Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874-76
Copyright: Copyright ? 2002 The Metropolitan Museum of Art . All rights reserved.
Rights: http://www.metmuseum.org/education/er_photo_lib.asp
Style or Period: Archaic
AMICA ID: MMA_.74.51.2453
AMICA Library Year: 2002
Media Metadata Rights: Copyright (c) 2002 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. All Rights Reserved

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