Puteal with relief

myminifactory

This is an ancient marble puteal that showcases various scenes and characters in stunning relief. The puteal itself presents seven male deities from Greek mythology, each with their own unique characteristics. Zeus sits to the right on his throne, with his feet resting on a supporting base, as he ponders life with one arm draped over the back of the chair, facing a small pillar where an eagle perched atop a lightning bolt stretches its wings wide. Beside him, Ares stands proudly, dressed in a simple exomis and sandals, his helmet tucked under his left hand as he holds his sword at the ready in his right hand. Apollo leans against a nearby pillar, half-dressed and holding a plectrum in one hand as he rests his left elbow on the cithara standing before him. On the ground beside Apollo lies an omphalos, a symbol of the earth's center. Asclepius stands tall, his beard flowing freely as he holds a snake-wrapped stick in his right shoulder, while Dionysus walks by his side, beardless and crowned with ivy leaves, his cloak draped over his left shoulder and his lower body. Heracles follows close behind, his face smooth and unadorned, his arm wrapped around the lion's skin as he sets down a massive club at his feet. Finally, Hermes brings up the rear, his chlamys slung over his left shoulder and the petaso flowing behind him like a cloak, one hand holding a caduceus leaning against his shoulder. This exquisite sculpture takes on the shape of a well, likely serving as a basin given its closed bottom.