About this artwork
This fragment comes from a large tombstone in the shape of a lekythos, a small terra-cotta jar of oil that was often left at a grave as a gift. Inscriptions indentify the three figures. To the left stands Leon, further identified as coming from Halai (located between Athens and Cape Sounion). He is bearded and wears a long himation, or mantle. He clasps hands with, and gazes at, Demagora, the fully clad woman seated before him. Presumably she is his wife, and the similarly clad girl standing behind her is their daughter, Helike, who watches the couple bid eternal farewell, although it is uncertain which of them has died. Only prominent families such as this one had the means to commission such grave monuments on which they could immortalize loved ones by having their names set in stone.
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On View
- Ancient and Byzantine Art, Gallery 151
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Culture
- Ancient Greek
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Title
- Fragment of a Funerary Lekythos (Monument in the Shape of an Oil Jar)
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Origin
- Athens
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Date
- 400 BC–301 BC
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Medium
- Marble
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Dimensions
- 55.3 × 43.7 × 17.2 cm (22 × 17 1/4 × 6 3/4 in.)
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Credit Line
- Katherine K. Adler Memorial Fund, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Alexander Classical Endowment Fund, Costa A. Pandaleon Greek Art Memorial Fund, and David P. Earle III Fund
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Reference Number
- 2009.76
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
