Kleobis

A memorial to a young man’s devotion.

This male figure is one of a pair generally thought to represent Kleobis and Biton. These mythical brothers from Argos helpfully pulled their mother’s carriage to a religious ceremony when her oxen went missing. Their mother prayed that her sons be rewarded, and the goddess Hera made them die in their sleep. Believe it or not, dying young and beautiful was considered a great honour for Kleobis and Biton.

Restored

Number

Material

Coarse grained white marble

Location of Original

Delphi Museum 467

Size

2.17m

Accession

Purchased in 1922

References

Lippold: Griechische Plastik, 25, pl. 5.1
Matz: Geschichte der Griechische Kunst, 105-
Karo: Personality in Greek Archaic Art, 106-110
Jenkins, Dedalica: 74
Fouilles de Delphes IV: 1-2, 5-
Richter, Kouroi: 49
Stewart: Greek Sculpture, 112, pls. 56-7

Date

c.580 BCE

Sculptor

...medes

Inscription

Indistinct and weathered. Mentions the sculptor ...medes, dedication by the Argives, and the names Kleobis and Biton

Provenance

Found at Delphi

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