Tritoness or Scylla Relief Applique (200s BCE)

The Tritoness or Scylla Relief Applique, crafted in the late 200s BCE, exemplifies the prevalent use of mythological sea creatures as decorative motifs during the Hellenistic period. Fashioned from bronze with intricate copper inlays, this female bust appliqué measures 22.4 x 24.5 x 7.8 cm (8 13/16 x 9 5/8 x 3 1/16 in.). Notably, the figure exhibits characteristic features associated with oceanic beings, including a seaweed garment, finned gills, and webbed ears.

The identity of the depicted figure, whether Tritoness or Scylla, remains enigmatic due to overlapping attributes. While traditionally associated with Triton, the god of the sea, her intense gaze and raised arm, potentially clutching the hilt of a sword, suggest a portrayal of Scylla, the notorious sea monster from Homer’s Odyssey.

In Greek mythology, Scylla and Charybdis are immortal monsters encountered by the hero Odysseus during his legendary voyages, chronicled in Homer’s Odyssey. Scylla, depicted with twelve feet and six heads on elongated snaky necks adorned with triple rows of sharklike teeth, symbolized the perilous waters. Her lair, a cave, served as a death trap for any unfortunate souls venturing too close, as exemplified by the fate of six of Odysseus’s companions. Charybdis, her counterpart lurking nearby, personified a deadly whirlpool capable of devouring ships.

The enduring myth of Scylla and Charybdis symbolizes the treacherous nature of maritime travel, portraying the perpetual struggle between peril and survival. The phrase “between Scylla and Charybdis” has transcended its mythological origins to signify being caught between two equally undesirable choices.

The Tritoness or Scylla Relief Applique not only serves as a testament to the artistic intricacy of the Hellenistic period but also encapsulates timeless themes of danger and navigation inherent in human exploration of the sea. Its portrayal of mythological figures adds depth to our understanding of ancient Greek culture and its enduring impact on maritime lore.

The Tritoness or Scylla Relief Applique was part of a Swiss Private Collection since approximately 1975, owned by Robert Haber, before finding its current place of residence in The Cleveland Museum of Art, acquired through the Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund in 1985.