Fragment of a Gliding Victory (aḍ-Ḍumayr)

 

Only the lower part of the sculpture is preserved. Still, it's possible to identify the statue with reasonable certainty thanks to the drapery of its peplos that coincides with the customary dress of Nike in her gliding movement. The sandal-clad feet rest on top of a hemispherical base symbolizing the earth globe. 

The body above the knees is entirely missing. A large piece of drapery above the right foot is chipped off. The posterior aspect of the piece is summarily executed. The surface is mostly covered by brownish incrustations.  

Seen between and under the feet is the following Greek inscription:

ΜΕΛΕΧΟΣ ΒΟΥΙΟΜΑΛ(ΕΧΟΥ) ΑΒΓ{ΑΛ-ΩΙ or ΑΡΩΙ}

Melechos, son of Bouiomalechos (dediated it) to (god) Abg (al or Abgar). 

Provenance: Maqṣurat aḍ-Ḍumayr, found within the military camp to be acquired by the Museum on November 18, 1946. 

Substance: white marble. 

Dimensions: H 47 cm, W 39 cm, D 32 cm. 

Era: second  or third century CE. 

Text: adapted from Weber (p.31).

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.