Athena clasping the hand of Hera
| Collection: | Athens, Acropolis Museum |
| Title: | Athenian Decree Honoring the Samians |
| Context: | From Athens, Acropolis |
| Findspot: | Found at Athens, Acropolis |
| Summary: | Athena and Hera |
| Object Function: | Honorary |
| Material: | Marble |
| Sculpture Type: | Stele, relief-decorated |
| Category: | Single sculpture |
| Style: | High Classical |
| Technique: | Low relief |
| Original or Copy: | Original |
| Date: | exact 403 BC |
| Dimensions: | H. of stele fragment 1.163 m; W. .56 m |
| Scale: | Miniature |
| Region: | Attica |
| Period: | High Classical |
Subject Description: Athena helmeted, in her military role but with shield behind her, clasps the hand of Hera, the patron goddess of the Samians, as if in confirmation of the decree outlined in the text below the relief. The Athenians bestowed citizenship and other rights upon their ally (the democratic contingent of) the Samians in thanks for their loyalty following the battle at Aigospotamoi in 405. The stele was not carved until two years later. Note the landscape detail of the tree.
Form & Style: Important for the exact date connected with the relief, which presumably reflects the stylistic currents of the day. Both goddesses shown in three-quarter view with heads in profile. Athena shows Polykleitan stance with trailing left leg, drapery forms a triangular pattern over it. It has been suggested that Hera reflects the cult state in a temple between Athens and Phaleron, which Pausanias said was made by Alkamenes (
Date Description: Dated exactly by the text of the decree, specifically the archonship of Kephisophon.
Condition: Nearly complete
Condition Description: Four joining fragments of a stele. The largest fragment preserves the upper section of the stele, including the relief in its entirety.
Material Description: Pentelic, according to Brouskari
Inscription: *S*A*M*I*O*I*S *O*S*O*I *M*E*T*A *T*O *D*H*M*O *T*O *A*Q*H*N*A*I
Inscription Bibliography: IG I.3 127
Sources Used:
Other Bibliography: