Amber Base

This unusual tripod base features three clawed feet, an abundance of vegetal ornament, and three different figural scenes in low relief. Two seem to show sanctuary settings: first, a small Archaistic statue of Athena flanked by a woman with small offerings and a man holding a kid and leading two goats; and second, a small youthful male statue behind two beardless figures—perhaps Apollo, with a stag, and Dionysos, holding a <em>thyrsos</em>. The third scene shows Herakles, holding a club while leading a woman, maybe Auge or Alcestis. Although perhaps similarly eclectic in style, the base and the sculpture it now supports differ in their alloys and patinas.