Photo © The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, by Vladimir Naikhin |
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Aryballos (oil and perfume bottle) decorated with a nude man, a swan, and a lizard
Greece Archaic period, Early Corinthian style, ca. 600 BC Pottery Gift of Claire Huchet-Bishop, New York, to American Friends of the Israel Museum, in memory of Dr. Arthur Briskier Accession number: 79.23.46 |
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Swans were sacred to Apollo and one of Aphrodite’s attributes. They also connoted love and fidelity, since these lovely birds are known to mate for life. In fact, Zeus assumed the shape of a swan when he courted Leda. Lizards, predators of pests, were also related to Apollo. Exhibition: Perfumes and Cosmetics in the Ancient World, Israel Museum, Jerusalem, 12/11/1989 - 12/01/1994 Sports and Art, Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Ruth Youth Wing, 01/03/2004 - 28/02/2005 Digital presentation of this object was made possible by: The Ridgefield Foundation, New York, in memory of Henry J. and Erna D. Leir |
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