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Head of Aphrodite
Roman Provincial
Imperial Period
3rd century A.D.
Medium/Technique
Marble, perhaps from Dokimeion
Dimensions
Height: 7 cm (2 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Richard R. Wagner
Accession Number65.1703
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
Catalogue Raisonné
Sculpture in Stone (MFA), no. 099.
DescriptionThe small head catches something of the studied vagueness of Praxitelean female beauty as interpreted in the Hellenistic ateliers of Egyptian Alexandria. Aphrodite wears a large diadem, with scalloped enrichment to suggest flowers or jewels on the outer edges; she has her hair done in a knot behind, with the ends in the form of curls or tresses extending toward the shoulders.
The flowers on the upper right edge of the diadem are missing, and the neck was broken across at the start of the shoulders. Otherwise, the head and neck are in good condition, with surfaces made warmer by a yellowish patina.
The complete statuette was of a familiar type, probably one showing the goddess gathering up her robe around her as she emerged from the sea, or, conversely, letting it fall from her body as she stepped into the bath.
The flowers on the upper right edge of the diadem are missing, and the neck was broken across at the start of the shoulders. Otherwise, the head and neck are in good condition, with surfaces made warmer by a yellowish patina.
The complete statuette was of a familiar type, probably one showing the goddess gathering up her robe around her as she emerged from the sea, or, conversely, letting it fall from her body as she stepped into the bath.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: Richard R. Wagner Collection (acquired by him in Istanbul); gift of Richard R. Wagner to MFA, December 8, 1965