Fragmentary Limestone Cypriot Capital in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, July 2010

Title: Fragmentary limestone Cypriot capital

Medium; Technique: Limestone

Culture: Cypriot

Period: Classical

Date: 5th century B.C.

Dimensions: Overall: 26 1/2 x 36 in. (67.3 x 91.4 cm)

Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76

Accession Number: 74.51.2497

On View

Description:

This capital, with carved decoration on only one side, is of a type known only on Cyprus. Like the more complete version (74.51.2493) displayed nearby, two pairs of curved frondlike forms surround an elaborate "tree of life," a motif well known in Near Eastern art. Two sphinxes standing on lotus stems place a paw against the tree.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/Works_of_Art/collection_database/greek_...