A GODDESS DEMETER ALTAR

An unusual object, probably a home altar to worship Demeter, the Goddess of Fertility, whose cult was especially extensive in Sicily. The base comprises three graduated landings decorated using reverse painting on glass with a frieze of ears of grain. In the center, on the highest landing, is the figure of Demeter holding a cornucopia. Ceramic vessels symmetrically placed around her bear the figures of gods and heroes who have a relationship to the goddess. On the left and right sides, branches with pomegranates grow from the white vases, their seeds made of tiny purple semi-precious stones. The bust of a young woman on the lowest landing closes the composition. Polychrome and gilded terracotta, wood, glass, gilded metal, stone.