Greek parcel-gilt silver finial with nereids, Circa 3rd Century BC

This silver finial belonged to a chair, it is made of embossed silver, a difficult and expensive technique. In it we can find as a frieze a series of marine characters such as nereids, monsters or tritons, which carry the cornucopias. In the center of the composition is a semi-nude seated woman with a naked torso, long hair falling over her shoulders and holding a billowing cape over her head. This is probably the nereid Amphitrite, also known as the Mistress of the Seas, one of the 50 nereids who were daughters of Nereus and Doris, and later became the wife of Poseidon.
Amphitrite was considered mother by most of the sea creatures that followed and worshipped her; such as dolphins, seals and sea horses. Her clothing used to be the same as her nereid sisters; tunics of white silk or other bright colors with golden decorations, which carried the trident of Poseidon as a sign of her union with this kingdom. In art, Amphitrite was always portrayed with her consort Poseidon and accompanied by a large number of sea creatures and her nereid sisters. On some occasions the company of her sons Triton and Rhodo can be appreciated, while she is in a chariot made of marine materials, pulled by sea horses and dolphins. She can also be seen seated on a throne while her retinue of creatures worships and accompanies her.