Archaeological Museum of Bologna

The statuette, depicting Artemis, is a replica of the Roman period of the statue - probably in wood - placed in the Artemision of Ephesus, the great temple dedicated to the goddess, whose cult has ancient origins, probably related to minoan traditions.

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The head of the statue, covered with a veil, has a towered crown, symbol of goddess' protection of the city; the gown is decorated with rosettes and male goats, and a necklace is represented, beneath that, four rows of nipples which allude to fertility and are the main feature od the goddess, who protects nature and fecundity.

A large numer of replicas very different each other, perhaps depending on the nature of the model: the statue was a wooden simlacrum with a dress that can be disassembled, in order to the different ceremony. Head, hands and feet in black marble of this statue are amodern restoration.

Provenance: University Collection
Datation: 2nd century AD
Material: marmo bianco e nero
Dimensions: height cm 28,6
Inventory #: G 1077