Collection Item – Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

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Marble Head of a Figurine of Aphrodite; 1st - 2nd Century CE; 93.68

From:UC Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

Name/TitleMarble Head of a Figurine of Aphrodite

About this objectThis small-scale head of Aphrodite, with her hand raised to squeeze water from her hair, is thought to be an ancient miniature reproduction of either the Crouching Aphrodite or Aphrodite Anadyomene. A famous fourth century BCE painting of Aphrodite Anadyomene by Apelles showed the adult goddess rising from the sea and teasing out the tresses of her hair with her hands.

Made from a greyish, slightly translucent marble, the head is preserved from the lower neck up. There is evidence of a slight lean in the neck but the head itself seems frontal. The hair is parted and drawn down to the sides. She wears a band or low diadem over the top of her head. Her right hand is raised to hold her hair, the left hand has broken away, but was likely holding her hair in the same way. Venus-rings can be seen on the neck. The details of her face are blurred.

Small-scale reproductions were popular in the Hellenistic period and well into Roman times. A major source of inspiration was the cult statue of Aphrodite made by the Athenian sculptor Praxiteles for the city of Cnidus; it was renowned for its grace and beauty and became the benchmark for the ideal female body.

Whether she was depicted clothed or naked, statues of Aphrodite were designed to arouse sexual desire at the same time as inspiring religious awe.

The date of this piece is difficult to determine, but is likely that it is Roman of the first, or second century CE.

Date Made1st - 2nd Century CE

Medium and MaterialsStone: Marble

Measurements46mm x 55mm x 30mm

Subject and Association KeywordsArt and mythology

Subject and Association KeywordsGoddesses in art

Subject and Association KeywordsWomen in art

Subject and Association KeywordsFigurative art

Subject and Association KeywordsArt and religion

Named CollectionThe James Logie Memorial Collection, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Credit LineFrom the collection of H.D. Broadhead. Donated by Mrs Broadhead, 1968.

Object TypeFigurine

Object number93.68