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Marble statue of a woman

2nd half of the 4th century BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 153
The lively, varied manner in which the texture of the clothing is rendered suggests that this is a Greek original rather than a Roman copy. The crinkly linen of the chiton and the heavier wool of the himation (cloak) are carefully differentiated, and horizontal press folds add variety to the latter's surface. The drilled holes on the sleeves once held metal buttons. The upper part of the chiton is kept firmly in place by a cord that is crossed in back and slipped over the arms. This over-life size figure probably represents a goddess, and in the absence of other attributes, the shoulder cord may offer a clue to her identity. Although the huntress Artemis is often shown with such a cord, this more matronly figure may represent Themis, a goddess associated with custom and law. The head and neck were carved separately and provided with a rounded tenon that was set into the cavity at the top of the torso.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Marble statue of a woman
  • Period: Late Classical
  • Date: 2nd half of the 4th century BCE
  • Culture: Greek
  • Medium: Marble
  • Dimensions: Overall (H. w/ plinth): 68 1/8 in. (173 cm)
    H. (H. without plinth): 66 1/8 in. (168 cm)
  • Classification: Stone Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Frederick F. Thompson, 1903
  • Object Number: 03.12.17
  • Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

Audio

Cover Image for 1055. Marble statue of a woman, Part 1

1055. Marble statue of a woman, Part 1

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Most of the sculptures in this gallery are Roman replicas of Greek statues made several centuries earlier. This piece is different; it is probably an original Greek work of the fourth century B.C. If you look closely at the cloth under the figure's right arm, you can see the channels of the hand-powered drill the Greek sculptor used.

Take a step back and consider the statue as a whole. The figure is over life-sized, probably an image of a goddess. She stands with one leg bent and one straight, a pose that combines the action of stepping with the repose of standing. The drilled holes on top of the arm were filled in ancient times with metal buttons, fasteners for the goddess’ long dress.

A cord at the shoulders holds her dress in place, pressing the delicate material beneath. The fabric stretches over her breasts and hangs in soft folds between them. The clothes and the body define one another in a graceful and natural way.

If you'd like to hear Elizabeth Milleker speak about the postclassical history of this statue, press the play button now.

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More Artwork

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Marble statue of a kore (maiden)
late 6th century BCE
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ca. 590–580 BCE
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ca. 400–390 BCE
Marble akroterion
ca. 350–325 BCE
Marble head of a goddess
4th century BCE

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