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Sicilian Greek artist's votive disc
Greek
Late Classical or Early Hellenistic Period
4th century B.C.
Medium/Technique
Limestone
Dimensions
Height x width: 12 x 13.7 cm (4 3/4 x 5 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Helen and Alice Colburn Fund
Accession Number1972.391
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
Catalogue Raisonné
Sculpture in Stone (MFA), no. 089; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 109 (additional published references).
DescriptionOn an oval plaque, somewhat in the shape of an ancient diskos, appears the facade of a tetrastyle Ionic temple, a rosette in the pediment and scrolled akroteria on the roof. The fluting of the columns and the stone blocks of the three-stepped stylobate are clearly defined. To the right appears an eight-pointed star and below is a "palm" of ivy.
The inscription on the left follows the conventional formula known from so many Attic vases "Alkimos Egrapse" and reads, actually, "Alkimos Eglupse," indicating that Alkimos "painted it" or, in this case, "carved" the scene.
The back has two large dents, and part of one edge is broken away. The surface is in good condition. It has a faintly crusty texture and a yellow coloring.
The inscription on the left follows the conventional formula known from so many Attic vases "Alkimos Egrapse" and reads, actually, "Alkimos Eglupse," indicating that Alkimos "painted it" or, in this case, "carved" the scene.
The back has two large dents, and part of one edge is broken away. The surface is in good condition. It has a faintly crusty texture and a yellow coloring.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: said to have been found near ancient Akragas (Agrigentum) and to come from a private collection near Zurich; by 1971: with Robert E. Hecht, Jr.; purchased by MFA from Robert E. Hecht, Jr., June 7, 1972