Collection: | Athens, National Archaeological Museum |
Title: | Grave Stele of Hegeso |
Context: | Probably from Athens, Kerameikos |
Findspot: | Found at Athens, Kerameikos |
Summary: | Hegeso seated with servant |
Object Function: | Funerary |
Sculptor: | Suggested attribution to Kallimachos |
Material: | Marble |
Sculpture Type: | Stele, relief-decorated |
Category: | Single monument |
Style: | High Classical |
Technique: | Low relief |
Original or Copy: | Original |
Date: | ca. 410 BC - ca. 400 BC |
Dimensions: | H. 1.58 m; W. 1.00 m |
Scale: | Under life-size |
Region: | Attica |
Period: | High Classical |
Subject Description: A girl (servant) standing in a relaxed pose to the right, wearing slippers, a long, unbelted tunic, with long sleeves, and her hair bound in a sakkos, holds an opened box on the knees of a mature woman, seated profile to the left, on a klismos. Her sandalled feet rest on a footstool. Her himation, which is veiled over her head, and bunched in her lap, mostly covers her undergarment (chiton). She holds the box with one hand, and raises her right hand slightly, presumably holding a beloved jewel, at which she gazes.
Form & Style:
The scene takes place within a naiskos, comprised of two rectangular antae supporting a pedimental entablature, with three floral akroteria. The klismos slightly overlaps the anta on the right side.
On the basis of the diaphanous garments and the overall high quality of the stele, Karouzou (78) suggests that this may have been created by Kallimachos or a student.
Condition: Intact
Condition Description: Almost complete, but restored on the edges, where it is chipped (and the plinth has mostly broken off). Except for damage on the head of Hegeso, the figures are in good condition.
Inscription: On the architrave, beginning above the right edge of the head of the servant:
Inscription Bibliography: IG I.2 1079
Sources Used:
Other Bibliography: