The original position of this statue was upright on the upper corner of a façade. It stands on the upper hemisphere of a globe, the lower hemisphere of which rests on a cubical base. The globe is off-center in relation to its base.
Nike is depicted in the customary gliding motion. Her left arm is lowered, ending in a clenched fist. The missing right hand had probably held a wreath. The dress is a standard sleeveless Greek peplos with the apoptygma girded under the breasts. The fabric is fixed on the left shoulder with a rounded brooch, baring the right breast. The drapery forms longitudinal floating folds below the waist. The folds covering the left breast are indicated by incisions radiating from the nipple. The feet are clad with closed pointed shoes.
Compared with the body, the head is disproportionately large. This can be explained by the fact that the statue was meant to be seen from a low vantage point. The same explanation is valid for the rough shape of the occipital area and the flattening of the rear skull. Two large eyes dominate the face. Their shape, along with the orientation of the lips, conveys a rather sad impression. The ridge of the nose is sharp and its tip pointed. The hair is thick and curly. It uncovers the ear pendants before descending behind the nape and the upper back.
Both wings are missing, in addition to the right upper extremity. The statue is otherwise in fairly good condition. The head, body, and upper hemisphere of the globe are a monolith. The surface is entirely covered by a thin, dark blue opalescent patina.
On the anterior rectangular face of the cubical base, a Greek inscription runs in four lines:
ΑΣΜΑΘΟΣ ΣΟΑΥΜΟΥ ΕΚ ΤΩΝ ΙΑΙΩΝ ΕΠΟΙΗΣΕΝ
"Asmathos, son of Somymos, made it at his own expense".
Traces of shiny red color remain in the incisions of the inscription.
Provenance: as-Suwaydāʾ. Acquired by the Museum on June 13, 1947.
Era: second century CE.
Substance: basalt.
Dimensions: H 109 cm, W 31 cm (base), D 33 cm (base).
Text: adapted from Weber (p 107). .
Collection: National Museum of Damascus.
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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