Deer

(IVe – IIIe century BC)

From the end of fourth century onwards, Greek sculpture developed in various directions. Shape and style changed considerably depending on the place and the time. Sculpture also gained a purely decorative function – without religious references or characteristics – for the first time. Small, decorative sculptures became popular among the elite. This beautiful deer was found on the island of Corfu in the Ionian sea; well known to readers of the Odyssey as the green island of the Phaeacians. The island’s Greek name, Korkyra, refers to the beautiful nymph who was kidnapped by Poseidon and imprisoned on the island.