A ROMAN MARBLE RELIEF WITH THE DIOSCURI
A ROMAN MARBLE RELIEF WITH THE DIOSCURI

CIRCA 2ND CENTURY A.D.

Details
A ROMAN MARBLE RELIEF WITH THE DIOSCURI
CIRCA 2ND CENTURY A.D.
With the standing figures of Castor and Pollux holding the reins of their horses, both nude but for a chlamys and pilos helmet, carrying a short spear, flaming altar at the centre, with a bull, cock and wild boar in front, two stars and a crescent moon in the field above
38 3/8 x 21½ in. (97.5 x 54.5 cm.)
Provenance
with Wilhelm Henrich, Frankfurt, August 1961.

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Lot Essay

PUBLISHED:
Die Sammlung Hubertus und Renate Wald Hamburg, Hamburg, 1998, pp. 184-185.

The Greek Dioskouri, Castor and Polydeuces, were the twin sons of Zeus and Leda. They were introduced in Rome circa 500 B.C. and their names were Latinised as the Castores, Castor and Pollux. They are best known for three mythological events. The first was the rescue of their sister Helen after she was kidnapped by Theseus. They carried off Theseus' mother Aethra at the same time. In the second, they took part in the expedition on the Argo with Jason. During the voyage, Pollux killed King Amycus, who had challenged him to a boxing match. The third was their abduction of Phoebe and Hilaeira, the daughters of King Leucippus, whom they later married. Idas and Lynceus, the nephews of Leucippus, pursued the twins, and in the resulting battle, Castor, along with the nephews, were killed. Pollux was granted immortality by Zeus, but he persuaded Zeus to allow him to share the gift with Castor, as a result, the two spent alternate days on Olympus and in Hades.

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