Bronze statuette of Zeus or Poseidon

early 5th century BCE

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 156

This mature bearded figure must represent either Zeus, the god of the sky and ruler of the Olympian deities, or his brother Poseidon, who controlled the seas. The identity would have been clear from the attribute that was originally held in the right hand. Zeus's weapon was the thunderbolt, and a sanctuary to him was established wherever lightening struck. Poseidon wielded a trident, the three-pronged spear that fishermen used to catch huge tuna.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Bronze statuette of Zeus or Poseidon
Period: Archaic
Date: early 5th century BCE
Culture: Greek
Medium: Bronze
Dimensions: H. 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm)
Classification: Bronzes
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1921
Object Number: 21.88.52
Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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