Three Kuretes

CNG 87, Lot: 847. Estimate $500. Sold for $1000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

PHRYGIA, Acmoneia. Trebonianus Gallus. AD 251-253. Æ (30mm, 12.08 g, 6h). Radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Nymph advancing right, with billowing veil, holding the infant Zeus; three Kuretes around, each in armor and holding sword and shield. BMC 101; SNG München -; SNG von Aulock -; SNG Copenhagen -. VF, green patina, a bit rough. Rare.

The Kuretes share some of the attributes of the Korybantes, dancing divinities associated with the worship of Kybele, but their specific role in Greek mythology was to serve as the protectors of the infant Zeus while he was hidden away on Crete, safe from his jealous father Kronos. Their militant dancing, accompanied by the clashing of swords on shields, drowned out the cries of the infant. The nursing of Zeus, according to certain traditions, was left to the sister nymphs Adrasteia and Ida, who fed Zeus with the the milk of the she-goat Amaltheia (in other traditions Amaltheia is a third nymph).