Grave monument from Kallithea

The Grave Monument from Kallithea is a tomb of a family of metics from Istria (Nikeratos and his son Polyxenos), which was excavated in Kallithea (Athens, Greece). The monument itself dates back to around 320 BC and contains a polychrome frieze. It is currently located at the Piraeus Archaeological Museum. This grave monument was built outside the Long Walls leading to Piraeus.[1]

Architectural style

The grave monument is composed of a limestone podium, which supports a marble pedestal with steps. On top of that, there are 3 statues inside an Ionic naiskos (a small temple).[1] The three statues inside are of a family. The one on the far left is of Nikeratos, who wears a himation. The center statue is of his son, Polyxenos, who is depicted as a naked athlete in the contrapposto pose. The statue on the right is of one of the family's slave boys. The father and the slave boy and both in a static pose. All three have the softened musculature indicative of the Hellenistic period. The monument has noticeably aged.[1] Limestone, a softer rock, has caused the podium to lose a few large chunks due to weathering. The marble pedestal has a few large cracks and a couple small missing pieces. The main frieze was done in relief. It depicts an Amazonomachy, where Greeks fought the tribe of warrior women. There is a blank area between two sections of the relief frieze, which may have been a painted frieze that has faded away with time. The naiskos is in a rather poor condition as all three statues inside have had their heads fall off.[1]

Comparison to contemporaries

This grave monument is fairly reflective of others in the Hellenistic period. It depicts conspicuous consumption, as only the wealthy could afford something this extravagant.[1] During intermittent periods in the Hellenistic era in Attica, grave monuments were banned under Demetrios of Phaleron's anti-luxury decree.[1] It was common for wealthy families to have monuments like this. But in the late 300s, grave monuments began to disappear because of this law, so this one of the last great examples of this funerary tradition in Attica. Most of them depicted the members of the family with their slaves. This was a way for them to show off all the wealth they had in life even in death. The limestone podium and the marble pedestal with steps were common and are seen in famous grave monuments such the Lion of Chaeronea and the stele of Tertia Horaria. The latter also copies the naiskos with a family inside.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Palagia, Olga(author of ch. 26) (2016). A Companion to Greek Architecture. Chicester, UK: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. pp. 375–377, 380–381. ISBN 9781444335996.

Sources

  • Miles, Margaret (2016). A Companion to Greek Architecture. Chicester, UK: Jon Wiley & Sons, Inc. pp. 375-377, 380-381. ISBN 9781444335996.
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