Relief in the form of a small temple and portico
Inventory number
ΕΑΜ 1377
Category
Sculpture
Period
Classical Period
Date
Around 350 BC
Dimensions
Height: 0.65 m
Length: 0.95 m
Material
Marble from Penteli
Location
Gallery of the Acropolis Slopes
It was found in many fragments at the Sanctuary of Asklepios and was reassembled and restored. It is in the form of a three-dimensional temple that adjoins the facade of a long stoa, in other words it depicts the two main buildings that are related to the worship of the god Asklepios.
Depicted on the relief are Asklepios, his wife Epione and their daughter Hygeia as they welcome a group of worshippers. Asklepios appears leaning on his staff around which a snake is coiled. Beside the god is Hygeia resting her right hand on her father's shoulder, while in front of them Epione is seated on a chair, holding most likely a phiale. The goose beneath her seat must be related to Asklepios’ therapeutic capacity.
In front of the stoa is the procession of the worshippers. A small slave, with a pig intended for the sacrifice to the god leads the procession. He is followed by nine adults, two children and a servant girl carrying a box on her head – perhaps with the bedding for the patient's overnight stay in the sanctuary.
Relief representations also decorate the two narrow sides. On the left side is Hekate or Demeter who wears a polos on her head and holds flaming torches. On the right side is a herm adorned with the head of the god Dionysos. Maybe the subjects of these side scenes relate to the neighbouring sanctuaries of Demeter, Persephone and Hekate as well as that of Dionysos Eleuthereas which flanked the Sanctuary of Asklepios. However, they could also be references to the statues of Hekate Epipyrgidia and Hermes Propylaios which were located at the entrance of the Athenian Acropolis. In general, both Hekate and the herms were considered symbols related to roads, boundaries, crossroads and mystical powers.
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