Reproduction of the "Great S-spiral frieze" fresco
Excavated 1884 west of the Great Forecourt of the Tiryns palace.
Ornamental spiral friezes have a long history in Minoan art. The version seen here with alternating up-and-down spirals and fan-shaped papyrus lotus blossoms became the favored ornate band frieze used to decorate most of the Mycenaean palaces. It has been suggested that the wide distribution of such a complicated pattern supports the idea of a traveling guild of fresco painters operating on the Mycenaean mainland. E. Gillieron, pere was hired in 1910-1912 by the Germans excavating at Tiryns to assist with the reconstruction of the many fresco fragments found at the site.
The original is in the National Archaeological Museum, Athens.
Ornamental spiral friezes have a long history in Minoan art. The version seen here with alternating up-and-down spirals and fan-shaped papyrus lotus blossoms became the favored ornate band frieze used to decorate most of the Mycenaean palaces. It has been suggested that the wide distribution of such a complicated pattern supports the idea of a traveling guild of fresco painters operating on the Mycenaean mainland. E. Gillieron, pere was hired in 1910-1912 by the Germans excavating at Tiryns to assist with the reconstruction of the many fresco fragments found at the site.
The original is in the National Archaeological Museum, Athens.
Artwork Details
- Title: Reproduction of the "Great S-spiral frieze" fresco
- Source: By Emile Gilliéron père, 1911 or early 1912.
- Period: Late Helladic III
- Date: ca. 1400–1200 BCE
- Culture: Mycenaean
- Medium: watercolor on paper
- Dimensions: Overall: 36 x 26 1/2 in. (91.4 x 67.3 cm)
- Credit Line: Dodge Fund, 1912
- Object Number: 12.58.2
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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Emile Gilliéron
ca. 1325–1250 BCE
Emile Gilliéron
ca. 1525–1450 BCE
Emile Gilliéron
second quarter of the 6th century BCE
Emile Gilliéron
second quarter of the 6th century BCE
Emile Gilliéron
second quarter of the 6th century BCE
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