Aphrodite is shown undressed, standing on a cylindrical base. The left leg supports her full weight while the right one is bent backward at the knee. The left foot is raised, touching the ground with the tiptoes. The right hand covers rather atrophic breasts and the left her genitals in a familiar pudic gesture. Thick bracelets hide the solder joints around the upper arms, and a left anklet made of a separate bronze wire is identified. The head is gently leaning upward and to the left. The eyes are wide open and, with the shape of the lips, confer an impression of melancholy. The hair is parted in the middle of the forehead and forms a bun at the nape. The skull is crowned by a small diadem.
The sculpture is in good condition. It is covered by a layer of dull green patina with minor brownish stains. The statuette and the base are hollow cast. The arms and the head, however, are solid, fixed by a solder under the chin and the rings of the upper arms.
Provenance: Zawīat al-Jōlān زويّة الجولان.
Era: mid second century CE.
Substance: bronze.
Dimensions: H 23.4 cm, H of the base 4.2 cm, W 6 cm, D 4.2 cm, diameter of the base 7.3 cm.
Text: adapted from Weber (p 75-76).
Collection: National Museum of Damascus (donated in March 1946 by 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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