The entirely nude goddess stands on a cubical base, resting her weight on her left foot. The right knee is slightly bent with the right lower extremity standing on the tiptoes. The left hand coyly covers the genitals. The right arm is raised, and a sandal is held in the right hand, in what seems to be an attempt to repel an intruder. The body is slim, and the form is elegant. The breasts are small. The neck is turned to the left. The face is slender with pursed lips and wide-open eyes. The hair is parted at the forehead and gathered in a bun crowning her skull. The jewels consist of a diadem, a pendant, bracelets, and anklets, all made of solid gold wire. A large piece of the back of the statuette is lost along with a part of the base. Both knees are torn. The surface is covered with a dull black patina with irregular bluish patches. The body of the statuette and the base on which it stands are hollow cast. A thick lead solder is present under the right heel.
Dimensions: H 25.5 cm, W 6.8 cm, D 5.7 cm.
Text: adapted from Weber (p. 67).
Acquired by the National Museum of Damascus in March 1943 (a gift from Mr. Antoine Daḥdāḥ).
Thomas M. Weber. Sculptures from Roman Syria in the Syrian National Museum of Damascus. Vol I, from Cities and Villages in Central and Southern Syria. Wernersche Verlagsgesellschaft. Worms. 2006.
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