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| Keywords: Praenestine - Cista Depicting Helen of Troy and Paris - Walters 54132.jpg Cistae were containers used to safeguard precious objects including mirrors perfume flasks and cosmetics A particular type of cista was made during the 4th and 3rd centuries BC in Praeneste a site in Latium the region around Rome that was heavily influenced by Etruscan culture The elaborately engraved scenes are thought to imitate famous but now lost Greek wall-paintings The ancient metalworker often pressed a white substance into the engraved lines in order to accentuate the decoration The handles commonly take the form of human figures Many artists in other early Italian cultures similarly incorporated figures of humans in functional objects The body of this cista is decorated with scenes from the most notorious love story of ancient times that of Helen of Troy and Paris On the right side Helen is presented to Paris Following which on the front he carries her off to his waiting chariot On the lid two flying figures carry ribbons to crown the pair The handle consists of a satyr and a maenad followers of the wine-god Dionysus with arms intertwined Lions stand atop the vessel's clawed feet century 4 BC bronze traces of silver cm 44 24 8 accession number 54 132 22430 Don Marcello Massarenti Collection Rome date and mode of acquisition unknown Henry Walters city Baltimore Walters Art Museum Henry Walters Acquired by Henry Walters with the Massarenti Collection 1902 The Allure of Bronze The Walters Art Gallery Baltimore 1995 place of origin Latium in present-day Italy Walters Art Museum license Cistae Claw feet furniture components Ancient Roman art in the Walters Art Museum Praenestine art | ||||
