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Parts of a cauldron: three griffin-heads and section of rim
Greek, East Greek
Orientalizing Period
late 7th century B.C.
Medium/Technique
Bronze
Dimensions
Height x length: 17.8 x 37 cm (7 x 14 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
William Francis Warden Fund
Accession Number50.144a-d
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsVessels
Catalogue Raisonné
Greek, Etruscan, & Roman Bronzes (MFA), no. 407; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 124 (additional published references).
DescriptionThese three griffin heads are all carefully crafted to emphasize the frightening nature of the creature they represent. Each of the griffin’s surfaces are covered in curvilinear patterns that represent scales. Atop a curving neck, the head is shown with a wide open mouth and a curving tongue emerging from the lower part of the beak. The griffins’ large eyes are hollow, but would originally have been inlaid with ivory or bone. A knob and two elongated, pointed ears emerge from the top of each griffin’s head. At the base of the neck of each griffin, a flat ring is visible: the small holes in these rings would have allowed the griffins to be secured to the rim of the cauldron partially preserved here. When positioned around the rim of the cauldron, the griffins could protect its contents and serve as an impressive and visually arresting curiosity.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with Charles L. Morley, 25 East 83rd Street, New York 28 (said to be from Rome Art Market); purchased by MFA from Charles L. Morley, February 9, 1950, for $ 7,000.00