The Evolution of Sculpture in Palmyra

 

Material: gypsum
Height: 11 cm.
Text: Bašīr Zuhdī (p. 120-121). 
Photo: Nicholas Randall.

Collection: National Museum of Damascus.            

Specialists identify the following three stages in the evolution of Palmyrene sculpture:

The first stage spans approximately from 100 BC to AD 150. During this period, Palmyrene sculptors depicted the pupil and iris as two concentric circles, without marking the eyebrows. They focused on conveying the figures' virility and giving the hairstyles of both men and women a symmetrical appearance.

The second stage extends roughly from AD 150 to 200 and is illustrated in the attached photo. At this time, the pupil and iris were represented as a circle with a central dot, and the eyebrows were indicated. The style became realistic.

The third stage spans approximately from AD 200 to 270. Artists sought to convey wealth and luxury by depicting figures in sumptuous attire and sculpting women adorned with numerous necklaces, earrings, brooches, bracelets, and other ornaments.

Catalogue du Musée National de Damas. publication de la Direction Générale des Antiquités et des Musées. Damas 1969.

Highlights of the National Museum of Damascus. DGAM (Direction Générale des Antiquités et des Musées de Syrie). Ministère de la Culture, 2006.