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<rdf:RDF xmlns:schema="//schema.org/" xmlns:rdf="//www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#"><schema:VisualArtwork><schema:image>http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/597176/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid=C1E9829C653DE69F3E3DBBBFA0920996</schema:image><schema:name>Votive relief to Herakles Alexikakos</schema:name><schema:dateCreated>first half of the 4th century B.C.</schema:dateCreated><schema:artMedium>Marble, from Mt. Pentelikon near Athens</schema:artMedium><schema:description>The relief is topped by a simple molding and terminates below in a flat, roughly worked projecting band, which acts as a base for the figures. The heads of the two figures overlap the molding. Herakles points his right hand to the shrine beside him. A lion’s skin hangs from his left arm, and his left hand holds a club. Its end, chiseled off, rested on the floor of the shrine. The shrine comprises two unfluted Doric columns on a base of three steps and supporting an architrave with a projecting taenia at the top. A krater on a stand, resembling examples in bronze and ceramic, stands on the architrave. The second youthful figure, gazing at Herakles, wears only a chlamys, and a petasos hanging at his back. His left hand probably held a kerykeion, added in paint and confirming his identification as Hermes. Between the two figures are traces of a painted inscription, in which the name Herakles has been thought to be distinguishable. The top step of the shrine bears the inscription “Herakles Alexikakos” (ΗΡΑΚΛΕΟΣ ΑΛΕΞΙΚΑΚΟΣ), possibly added later, indicating a dedication to Herakles as Averter of Evil. 

The edges of the slab are smoothed; the back is roughly worked, with an inset area at the bottom. This probably served to set the relief in its base. The upper right-hand corner has been broken off, and the crowning molding has been chipped in several places. The marble has acquired the usual yellow hue.

Scientific Analysis:

University of South Florida Lab No. 84011-12: Isotope ratios - delta13C +2.7 (fresh marble), 2.6 (surface) / delta18O -5.0 (fresh marble), -4.9 (surface)      

Attribution - Mt. Pentelikon.  Justification - C and O isotopes, fine grain, Attic style, from Attica</schema:description><schema:artForm>Sculpture</schema:artForm><schema:width>53.0000000000 Centimeter</schema:width><schema:url>http://collections.mfa.org/objects/detailsrdf/151080;jsessionid=C1E9829C653DE69F3E3DBBBFA0920996</schema:url></schema:VisualArtwork></rdf:RDF>