Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
Griffin Attachment from a Cauldron
(Ancient Greece )
A "protome" is a decorative element representing the head and neck of a person or animal. This griffin's head, which with several others decorated a large bronze cauldron, is characteristic of the Orientalizing period. Cauldrons on tripod stands with designs inspired by Near Eastern motifs were important dedications in sanctuaries. The griffin was a mythological creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion, and was believed to guard the gold of northern barbarian tribes.
Provenance
Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.
Robert E. Hecht, Jr. [dealer], 1999; Walters Art Museum, 1999, by purchase.
Geographies
Greece (Place of Origin)
Measurements
5 7/8 x 1 15/16 x 2 3/16 in. (14.9 x 4.9 x 5.6 cm)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds provided by the Ancient Art Acquisition Fund, 1999
Location in Museum
Accession Number
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
In libraries, galleries, museums, and archives, an accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each object in the collection.
54.2950