Bronze Griffin

Bronze statue of a gryphon with it's tongue out

Bronze Griffin

Origin

Dodoni, Ioannina

Period

First quarter of the 7th century BC

Material

Copper

Description

Excellent examples of bronze art of the archaic times such as figurines of animals and fantastic beings, were components of bronze vessels, votives and those to the Sanctuary, usually attached to their handles or rims. A monumental work of this category is the griffin found in the rectory of Dodoni. The bust is cast, dated to the first quarter of the 7th century BC. and is attributed to a Corinthian workshop. This wonderful work was probably a votive offering and was part of a copper tripod boiler. The excellent preservation of the bust and its discovery in the rectory of the sanctuary support the view that it is a relic. In contrast to other Sanctuaries, especially of Samos and Olympia, the busts of griffins in Dodoni are minimal.

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