ticketsMember | Make a donation

Fragmentary limestone Cypriot capital

5th century BCE
Not on view
This capital, with carved decoration on only one side, is of a type known only on Cyprus. Like the more complete version (74.51.2493) displayed nearby, two pairs of curved frondlike forms surround an elaborate "tree of life," a motif well known in Near Eastern art. Two sphinxes standing on lotus stems place a paw against the tree.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Fragmentary limestone Cypriot capital
  • Period: Classical
  • Date: 5th century BCE
  • Culture: Cypriot
  • Medium: Limestone
  • Dimensions: WebPub GR 2012 Cesnola: 26 1/2 × 36 in., 68 lb. (67.3 × 91.4 cm, 30.8 kg)
  • Classification: Stone Sculpture
  • Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
  • Object Number: 74.51.2497
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Limestone funerary stele (shaft) with a "Cypriot capital", Limestone, Cypriot
Limestone funerary stele (shaft) with a "Cypriot capital"
Cypriot
5th century BCE
Limestone head of beardless male votary, Limestone, Cypriot
Limestone head of beardless male votary
Cypriot
mid–1st century BCE
Limestone head of a bearded man, Limestone, Cypriot
Limestone head of a bearded man
Cypriot
early 6th century BCE
Limestone statue of Aphrodite holding winged Eros, Limestone, Cypriot
Limestone statue of Aphrodite holding winged Eros
Cypriot
late 4th century BCE
Limestone sarcophagus, Limestone, Cypriot
Limestone sarcophagus
Cypriot
ca. 475–450 BCE

Related Content

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.