Βust of Nereid

Silver replica of a detail from the decoration of a piece of furniture (early 3^rd century BC) on a marble base. The figure with the wet dishevelled hair must be one of the Nereids, mythical creatures dwelling in the depths of the ocean. Sea divinities were a particularly popular subject in Hellenistic miniature art and often appeared as decoration on several objects in the belief that they would protect their owners from harm. The daughters of Nereus in particular were associated with the blessing of newlyweds.