Snake

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Provision of image

Inventory number

ΕΑΜ Χ 6827

Category

Decorative element

Period

Archaic Period

Date

End of 6th cent. BC

Dimensions

Height: 0.085 m

Material

Bronze

Location

First Floor Case 20, Νο 22

Description
Bibliography

Snake that belongs probably to a big bronze vessel. Preserved is only its S-shaped upper body. The serpent raises its head and opens wide its disproportionately big mouth. The eyes are deep holes and the teeth are rendered as vertical incisions. The narrow and long beard touches its belly that is decorated with short, oblique incisions.

Snakes are particularly popular in ancient Greek art and relate to Asklepios, Zeus as well as Athena, the dominant divinity on the Athenian Acropolis.

De Ridder, A., Bronzes Trouvés sur l' Acropole d'Athènes, Paris, 1896, σελ. 204, εικ. 185, αρ. κατ. 560