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So-called because the lines of this figure show up clearly in the work of 20th-century painter Amedeo Modigliani. The slender, simple shape, crossed arms and smooth face are all classic Cycladic traits. Non-standing feet indicate that such figures would probably have been lying down.

Carved entirely from one block of marble, this is the most remarkable of a series of “frying-pan” vessels found in tombs. Archaeologists believe birds held an important symbolism for the Cycladic culture, as they appear in many other carvings as well – but as to the nature of that significance, the mystery remains.

The male and female figures (), with elongated arms and almond-shaped eyes and mouths, are the most naturalistic of the later Cycladic figures. Experts believe that the baldric and dagger carved around the male figure indicates that he was a hunter-warrior.

The only male figure of its size found so far in the prototypical Cycladic style. Attributed to the Goulandris Master, who created the finest female figures, it has the same shape and placement of the arms but distinctly different genitals. The separated legs indicate a standing pose, rather than the typically prone pose of the female figures.

Figures like this seated drinker, arm raised jovially, are extremely rare in Cycladic sculpture. The few that do exist show that, in addition to the prone goddess figures found in burials, the culture also produced active images of everyday life.

One of the largest Cycladic figures ever found, its size beautifully showcases the clear outlines, symmetry and style of the gifted artist. It also begins to suggest the Archaic style, which appeared centuries later. Its scale suggests that it was more likely used in a cult shrine than in a grave.

An exceptional piece of 5th-century BC pottery that shows reclining youths in a symposium, where they gathered to lounge, drink wine and talk of philosophy (and, occasionally, coarser matters). The scene shows a pause in the high-minded discourse for the youths to play a game involving flipping their wine cups into the centre.

This beautifully preserved 6th-century BC vase shows god of wine and revelry Dionysus on one side (flanked by nude, dancing satyrs) and, on the other side, Athena and Hermes conversing.

In 1991, the museum took over the adjoining Stathatos Mansion, a gorgeous gilded Neo-Classical confection designed by Bavarian architect Ernst Ziller (see Syntagma and Kolonaki). Here, among lusciously restored chandeliers, velvet drapes and original antique furniture, the museum holds temporary exhibitions, receptions and occasional lectures.

A destination in its own right for serious shoppers. You can see how modern and timeless the Cycladic figures are in these reinterpretations on silver jewellery and ceramics. There’s also a wide selection of coffee-table and scholarly art books.