Funerary Relief with the story of Kleobis and Biton

myminifactory

The narration has been tied to a myth since the seventeenth century, with a woman and two boys at its center. This narrative is connected to the Greek legend of Cleobis and Biton, as told by historian Herodotus. According to the story, the two young sons of Cidippe, a priestess of Hera, pulled their mother's cart to the temple in honor of the goddess. As a reward for their selfless act, they were granted the ultimate gift: the ability to fall asleep and pass into death, which was considered preferable to living. The Venetian interpretation diverges from this myth at several points, suggesting that it may have been tailored to suit the values of the people who commissioned the tomb. Perhaps the monument was built in memory of two brothers who died young, and their mother chose to tell their story through a well-known tale that highlighted the positive qualities of children.