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Marble votive relief fragment of goddesses, mother, nurse, and infant

late 5th century BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 171
Childbirth in antiquity often resulted in the death of both the mother and infant. This small relief, which shows the mother and child alive post-partum, was presumably an offering to a healing deity such as Asklepios or Hygieia, in thanks for protection during this particularly dangerous rite of passage.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Marble votive relief fragment of goddesses, mother, nurse, and infant
  • Period: Classical
  • Date: late 5th century BCE
  • Culture: Greek
  • Medium: Marble, Island
  • Dimensions: h. 10 1/2in (26.7cm); w. 8 9/16in. (21.7cm)
  • Classification: Stone Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1924
  • Object Number: 24.97.92
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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