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Figurine of a griffin
Greek
Archaic Period
650–625 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Bronze
Dimensions
Height x length: 10.7 x 6.8 cm (4 3/16 x 2 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Edward Perry Warren
Accession Number96.665
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
Catalogue Raisonné
Greek, Etruscan, & Roman Bronzes (MFA), no. 036; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 118 (additional published references).
DescriptionThis small bronze griffin strides forward, his (now missing) left front foot stepping ahead as his head turns slightly towards the left. The now hollow eyes were likely once inlaid, and are emphasized by the incised lines surrounding them. The open mouth and curling tongue, as well as the rigidly upright ears, further enliven the creature. The griffin’s wings are articulated with detailed incisions that create linear patterns, probably meant to evoke feathers. His tail curls to form a loop at the end. The small pegs in the bottom of the griffin’s surviving feet would have facilitated the object’s insertion into the bars of a tripod supporting a cauldron.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with Edward Perry Warren (according to Warren's records: "From Elis, perhaps from "Palaeopolis".); gift of Edward Perry Warren to MFA, 1896