Decorative dish

sketchfab

Decorative dish from the 3rd or 2nd century BC, made in Tarantine (?) production, originates from Argos in Acarnania, now housed in the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire (Musée du Cinquantenaire) in Brussels, Belgium, captured with CapturingReality. This ornate dish, crafted in high relief, likely served a decorative or votive purpose since it is not suitable for use. Red markings indicate that it was either painted or gilded. The central scene portrays a satyr with pointed ears and a quill, alongside Aphrodite or a nymph at her toilette. Behind the young woman are a water vase (hydrie) and an open mirror, as well as a garment. Against the legs of the satyr lies a hunting stick (lagobolon). The perimeter is adorned with a band of oxen outside and bucranes between rosettes inside. The central design echoes that of mirror box lids, while the framing patterns mirror those found on metal tableware. To stay updated, consider following me on Twitter at @GeoffreyMarchal.