Roman Marble Torso of the Goddess Diana - X.0045

B A R A K AT G A L L E RY Mirror of all Ages and Cultures

Roman Marble Torso of the Goddess Diana - X.0045 Origin: Mediterranean Circa: 100 AD to 200 AD Dimensions: 23 x 36 x 90cm Medium: Marble Price on request

58 Brook Street, W1K 5DT, London | +44 207 493 7778 | info@barakatgallery.eu 941 North La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles | 58-4, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

B A R A K AT G A L L E RY Mirror of all Ages and Cultures

Curatorial comment: Most frequently identified as goddess of the hunt, Diana (known to the Greeks as Artemis) was particularly concerned with periods of transition, i.e., the rites of passage of virgins becoming women, or young boys becoming men through hunting or war. Though eternally virginal herself, she presided over childbirth and the rearing of children. In fact, as soon as she was born, Diana helped her mother give birth to her twin brother Apollo. Her own transformation occurred at the famous temple of Ephesus where she became an “earth mother” with multiple breasts.

Here, she is depicted in her more traditional role as that of the huntress. She wears a belted chiton so finely pleated as to resemble a wooly coat. Traces of her famed quiver, one of her telltale attributes, are evident behind right shoulder. An exceptionally realized figure, with a highly animated pose and striking modeling of the body and garment, this sculpture is a Roman version based on a Greek original made by the sculptor Kephisodotos during the 4th century B.C. Though a fragment of the life-size statue, we can begin to imagine the completed state of this work by comparing it to the Greek original on which it is based. Judging by the exquisite artistry evident in this sculpture, we can assume that this was a worthy replica of the influential masterpiece. Surely, Diana would be proud to have such a gorgeous monument memorializing her.

58 Brook Street, W1K 5DT, London | +44 207 493 7778 | info@barakatgallery.eu 941 North La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles | 58-4, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

B A R A K AT G A L L E RY Mirror of all Ages and Cultures

Condition Report: The statue (Roman Marble Torso of the Goddess Diana - X.0045) is in very fine state. The artefact presents a uniform beige patina. The breaks on the neck, left shoulder, right forearm, and legs are fully patinated as well, and are compatible with ancient ruptures.

Minor scratches are recorded on the right forearm and on the drapery, entirely compatible with the dating of the piece and the expected depositional / archaeological history of such an artefact.

The sculpture has been professionally mounted.

58 Brook Street, W1K 5DT, London | +44 207 493 7778 | info@barakatgallery.eu 941 North La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles | 58-4, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul