Nereid and Triton
Plaque
3rd-4th century (made)
3rd-4th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This plaque representing Nereid and Triton is of Egyptian origin from the3rd or 4th century (Coptic / late Antique) and was intended for applying to a casket.
Similar carvings, many of which follow the more or less convex curve of the bone, have been found in great quantities, chiefly in the district of Alexandria. The figure subjects are usually taken from mythology and are similar to those on textiles, but occasionally biblical scenes occur. The carvings were probably used in the decoration of wooden caskets.
Triton is a sea-god. He was usually thought to be the son of Poseidon, the god of the sea and Amphritete, the goddess of the sea. A daughter, Pallas, was attributed to him. Usually he is represented with a human upper body and a tail of a fish.
The Nereids in Greek mythology are 50 sea nymphs, the daughters of Nereus and Doris.
Similar carvings, many of which follow the more or less convex curve of the bone, have been found in great quantities, chiefly in the district of Alexandria. The figure subjects are usually taken from mythology and are similar to those on textiles, but occasionally biblical scenes occur. The carvings were probably used in the decoration of wooden caskets.
Triton is a sea-god. He was usually thought to be the son of Poseidon, the god of the sea and Amphritete, the goddess of the sea. A daughter, Pallas, was attributed to him. Usually he is represented with a human upper body and a tail of a fish.
The Nereids in Greek mythology are 50 sea nymphs, the daughters of Nereus and Doris.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Nereid and Triton (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Carved bone in low relief |
| Brief description | Plaque, bone, Nereid and Triton, Egypt, Coptic, 3rd or 4th century |
| Physical description | Plaque in bone carved with a Nereid and a triton. To the right a naked recumbent figure of a woman, to the left a portion of a male figure holding a crook. All the corners except the upper left are broken away, including the Nereid's left arm and foot. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Object history | For applying to a casket. Acquired in Paris. |
| Historical context | Similar carvings, many of which follow the more or less convex curve of the bone, have been found in great quantities, chiefly in the district of Alexandria. The figure subjects are usually taken from mythology and are similar to those on textiles, but occasionally biblical scenes occur. The carvings were probably used in the decoration of wooden caskets. |
| Production | Coptic |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This plaque representing Nereid and Triton is of Egyptian origin from the3rd or 4th century (Coptic / late Antique) and was intended for applying to a casket. Similar carvings, many of which follow the more or less convex curve of the bone, have been found in great quantities, chiefly in the district of Alexandria. The figure subjects are usually taken from mythology and are similar to those on textiles, but occasionally biblical scenes occur. The carvings were probably used in the decoration of wooden caskets. Triton is a sea-god. He was usually thought to be the son of Poseidon, the god of the sea and Amphritete, the goddess of the sea. A daughter, Pallas, was attributed to him. Usually he is represented with a human upper body and a tail of a fish. The Nereids in Greek mythology are 50 sea nymphs, the daughters of Nereus and Doris. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | 824-1905 |
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| Record created | February 18, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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