This votive relief is carved from white marble, originating from Eleusis, an ancient Greek region. It features depictions of the Eleusinian deities, key entities in the Eleusinian Mysteries, which were annual initiation rites for the cult of Demeter and Persephone.
The relief is approximately 82cm in height, 57cm in width, and 20cm in depth. Despite its age, it is well preserved. It is dated to the Late Classical period, circa 375-350BC, rendering it a significant resource for understanding the religious and societal norms of the time.
The relief demonstrates excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail, indicative of the artistic expertise of the era. The figures are finely sculpted, with the drapery effectively highlighting their forms. Depth within the composition is achieved via varied degrees of relief, from high to low.
The primary figure is Demeter, depicted seated with a torch, symbolizing her search for her daughter Persephone. To Demeter's left stands Persephone, represented as a young woman holding a scepter, which denotes her role as ruler of the underworld. To the right, a smaller figure represents Iacchus, interpreted as a young Dionysus, he stands wearing a wreath of myrtle and holds a stave. The shared representation of these figures on a single relief attests to their intricately intertwined mythology's relevance in ancient Greek religious doctrine.
The relief's incised detailing and balanced figure arrangement exhibit the artist's proficiency in divine figure representation. The lower part of the relief features an inscription that, despite its deterioration over time, suggests it likely served as an individual's votive offering, expressing devotion to the Eleusinian deities.
