Grave Stele of a Youth: The “Cat Stele”
Classical Antiquites - Plaster casts
Date | early 20th century (plaster cast), 300-275 BC (original) |
---|---|
Object type | plaster cast |
Medium, technique | plaster |
Dimensions | 87 x 103 x 12 cm |
Inventory number | Ag.290 |
Collection | Classical Antiquites - Plaster casts |
On view | Star Fortress (Komárom), Roman Sculpture |
The relief shows Helios as he emerges from the sea in his chariot. The long, curly hair of the young sun god is surrounded with a double radiate crown and a nimbus. His outstretched right hand held the reins (which were painted, not carved). The floating mantle of the deity emphasises the swiftness of movement. The legs of the horses barely touch the ground, they are galloping upwards — the scene is thus a depiction of sunrise. The city of Ilion (Troy) was famous for its mythical battle already in antiquity. The Berlin relief comes from the Temple of Athena in Troy, where it served as the corner block of a row of metopes on the north side of the building.
Hekler, Antal, Az antik gipszgyűjtemény I-II., Budapest, 1919-1920, 1923, no. no. 406.
This record is subject to revision due to ongoing research.