Puteal de la Moncloa

cults3d

Reproduction of a well curbstone sculpture. The term "puteal", from the Latin "puteus", meaning well, defines the function of this piece: a well curbstone. The reliefs that decorate the piece represent the theme of the birth of Athena. The base of the puteal is decorated with a meander and an area of ovaries. The cornice with a bull and a cleavage. The original piece belonged to two European royal collections and was part of the decoration of their palaces. It was obtained by Queen Christina of Sweden, who bought it in Rome. When the queen died, it became the property of Cardinal Azzolino. In the 1990s a reproduction of the puteal was given to heads of state on official visits to Spain.