An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Sleep and Death Cista Handle400–375 BCE
Designed for attachment to the lid of a large bronze <em>cista</em>, a cylindrical lidded box, these three figures probably represent Sleep (Hypnos) and Death (Thanatos) holding the body of Sarpedon. A son of Zeus who helped to defend Troy from invading Greek forces, "godlike Sarpedon of the brazen helmet" fell at the hands of Patroclus, as told by Homer in Book XVI of the <em>Iliad</em>. Apollo then intervened to protect the body, removing it from danger and entrusting it to the two winged deities, as depicted here and in a number of other ancient artworks, Greek and Etruscan alike. If not Sarpedon, the fallen warrior could be Memnon, the son of Eos and Tithonos slain by Achilles.
These three figures were cast in eight separate pieces, then welded together and attached to the rectangular base.
bronze
with base: 18.5 x 18.3 cm (7 5/16 x 7 3/16 in.); without base: 14 x 17.4 cm (5 1/2 x 6 7/8 in.)
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
In a quiet corner of history, where bronze whispers tales of ancient battles and heroic deeds, a striking sculpture tells a poignant story. Imagine a large, cylindrical box gleaming under the tender glow of twilight – a *cista* – once adorned by three figures that embody two profound aspects of the human experience: Sleep, known as Hypnos, and Death, revered as Thanatos. Together, these ethereal beings cradle the body of Sarpedon, a warrior cherished by the gods.
Sarpedon, a son of Zeus himself, once stood proud on the plains of Troy, a defender against the merciless advance of Greek forces. He was admired, known for his valor and boldness; indeed, Homer immortalizes him as "godlike Sarpedon of the brazen helmet." But fate is often ruthless. In the heart of the conflict, he fell, struck down by the skilled hand of Patroclus. The battlefield, where blood mingled with honor, witnessed this tragic moment, a brutal reminder of the price of war.
As night descended, Apollo, the god of light and truth, could not bear to see such a noble soul left vulnerable amidst the chaos. With graceful fervor, he intervened, his divine presence illuminating the darkened scene. In that moment, he entrusted Sarpedon's lifeless form to the gentle hands of Hypnos and Thanatos. The two winged deities, draped in an aura of serene compassion, ensured the fallen warrior was removed from danger, preserving his dignity even in death.
But perhaps in this tale, Sarpedon is not the only spirit honored. Some believe the figure could be Memnon, the son of Eos and Tithonos, a warrior who met his end at the hands of the mighty Achilles. Regardless of the identity of the fallen, the imagery remains haunting and beautiful, a reflective commentary on the cycle of life and loss.
Each detail of the sculpture invites the observer to pause, to ponder the weight of glory and mortality, bridge the past, and weave through the ages. In those still moments, we come to understand that every hero, once vibrant and alive, eventually yields to the tender embrace of sleep and death. It is in the silence of this embrace that we find peace, connected in shared stories across the lines of time.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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