Caption

Cista container decorated with a depiction of the Dioscuri and Athena. Cylindrical sheet-metal vessel on three legs, engraved with the Dioscuri and Athena, 8 figures preserved. Bands of engraved plant decoration under the rim and at the lower edge. Concave bottom. Legs shaped like predator paws ending in sirens. Slightly convex sheet-metal lid engraved with two hippocampi and a trace of a central handle. Dated 4th century BC, possibly Praeneste Italy. Vessel; weight 1.132 kg; height 24.5 cm; bottom diameter 20 cm; top diameter 22 cm., A cylindrical metal container with a domed lid stands on a plain surface, showing aged and worn surfaces with patches of green and turquoise patina, areas of dark brown and reddish-brown metal, and some faint purple and ochre discoloration. The lid has an irregular dark opening and a slightly raised rim with darker brown and reddish tones. The body of the container displays mottled green corrosion and darker brown areas, with decorative circular protrusions on the sides in similar brown and green hues. The container rests on three short feet; the central front foot is a sculpted figure with a humanlike upper body and wings, showing green patina over darker metal, while the other feet are rounded and exhibit brown and green tones. The overall texture appears rough and uneven, with visible scratches, worn spots, and layered discoloration in green, brown, reddish-brown, turquoise, purple, and ochre.

Credit line

Photo12/Liszt Collection

Reference

LZT26A06_016

License type

Rights managed

Available size

81.8Mb (5.3Mb) / 16.5in x 19.2in / 4959 x 5766 (300dpi)

Keywords

Cista container decorated depiction Dioscuri Athena Cylindrical sheet-metal vessel three legs engraved 8 figures preserved Bands engraved plant decoration under rim lower edge Concave bottom Legs shaped predator paws ending sirens Slightly convex sheet-metal lid two hippocampi trace central handle Dated 4th century BC Praeneste Italy Vessel weight 1.132 kg height 24.5 cm bottom diameter 20 cm top diameter 22 cm cylindrical metal container domed stands plain surface showing aged worn surfaces patches green turquoise patina areas dark brown reddish-brown metal faint purple ochre discoloration irregular dark opening slightly raised darker brown reddish tones body container displays mottled green corrosion darker brown decorative circular protrusions sides green hues container rests three short feet central front foot sculpted figure humanlike upper body wings showing green patina darker metal feet rounded exhibit brown green tones texture rough uneven visible scratches worn spots layered discoloration reddish-brown turquoise purple ochre.