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Marble head of Athena

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Marble head of Athena

Period:
Hellenistic
Date:
ca. 200 B.C.
Culture:
Greek
Medium:
Marble
Dimensions:
H. 19 in. (48.26 cm)
Classification:
Stone Sculpture
Credit Line:
Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, 1996
Accession Number:
1996.178

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 162

  • Description

    The dynamic movement and passionate expression of this colossal head mark it as a rare example of monumental art from the late third to the second century B.C., when an exaggerated baroque style prevailed in some areas of the Mediterranean. The goddess originally wore a helmet of marble or bronze, added separately. The ears are pierced for metal earrings. The head comes from an over-life-sized statue that possibly represented the goddess striding forward. The statue may have stood outdoors, as a monumental votive image of the warrior goddess in her role as protectress of a city rather than within a temple as a cult statue.

  • References

    Schäfer, T. 1996. "Gepickt und Versteckt" JdI 111 45, no. 81.

    Picón, Carlos A. 1997. "Recent Acquisitions, A Selection: 1996-1997." The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin 55(2): pp. 14-15.

    Picón. Carlos A., et al. 2007. Art of the Classical World in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. London and New Haven: Yale University Press, no. 206, pp. 179, 443.

  • See also
    What
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    In the Museum
    Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
    MetPublications
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