Loading

Terracotta altar with fertility goddesses and a panther mauling a bull

Museo Archeologico Regionale di Gelaabout 500 BC

British Museum

British Museum
London, United Kingdom

The figures on this ancient Greek altar are goddesses of agriculture, fertility and the life cycle, possibly Demeter, Persephone and Hekate. Above them a panther with teats full of milk devours a bull. The bull’s death gives her cubs life. The style of both scenes combines Greek and Phoenician influences.

Show lessRead more
  • Title: Terracotta altar with fertility goddesses and a panther mauling a bull
  • Creator: Museo Archeologico Regionale di Gela
  • Date Created: about 500 BC
  • Location Created: Gela, Sicily
  • Physical Dimensions: H. 1.13 m
  • Medium: terracotta

  • Copyright: Museo Archeologico Regionale di Gela © Regione Siciliana
British Museum

Get the app

Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more

Interested in Science?

Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly

You are all set!

Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.

Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites