DESCRIPTION

No R 02
Madrid, Museo Arqueologico Nacional, 2691:
circular marble relief from the royal palace gardens of Moncloa near Madrid, known as the "puteal of Moncloa" (puteal = wellhead).
Height 99cm. Radius 82 cm.
Middle of the first century B.C.

There are two compositions on this puteal: one composition related to the "birth of Athena" (I), and a composition with the Moirai (II).

I:
Jupiter (Zeus) is seen, seated on a throne. He is represented with head and legs in profile to the right, the body almost facing. Seated he is as tall as the surrounding standing figures. The right arm is hanging down, the hand grasping a thunderbolt. The left forearm is extended upward, the hand holding a staff.

Minerva (Athena) is represented in front of Jupiter in a sprinting position, head, body and legs almost facing. She wears a helmet and carries a shield, seen from the back, on the left arm.

A winged, flying Victoria (Nike), seen between Jupiter and Minerva, is wreathing Minerva.

On the left Hephaistos is seen, identified by the axe.

II:

There are three deities seen on this side of the puteal. From left to right: Klotho, seated, Lachesis with a tablet, and Atropos with a scroll.

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