Fragment of a limestone relief with standing figure

Greek, South Italian, Tarentine

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 162

A figure, possibly Orpheus, standing with right foot resting on a short pedastal.

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.

Fragment of a limestone relief with standing figure, Limestone, Greek, South Italian, Tarentine

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Fragment of a limestone relief with standing figure, Limestone, Greek, South Italian, Tarentine
Fragment of a limestone relief with standing figure, Limestone, Greek, South Italian, Tarentine

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