Title: La Delicata
Artist: Unknown
Country: Athens, Greece
Date: c.a. 500 BC -- c.a. 490 BC
Present location: Athens, Acropolis Museum
This free-standing marble statue of a maiden is from the late-Archaic period and was found at Athens, Acropolis, south of Parthenon in 1888. The statue of maiden was one of many statues dedicated to Athena on the Acropolis. She is wearing a diagonally draped cloak over her dress, which doesn't allow for great detail with her clothing. It brings out more of the texture of the clothing, rather than any patterns or surface designs. She has a few pieces of hair pulled back and the remaining free-falling down her chest and back, which to me, is the most prominent part of this statue. This feature really stands out to me because it is in perfect symmetry and lays nicely, something I could never accomplish with my own. She appears to only have earrings on, which may allow us to think that gems and jewels were not a necessity for a woman like this. Her face is solemn, not smiling, with her eyes slanted inward, however, her face appears to have a soft-look to it. Her stance is also upright, which is another prominent feature of this statue. She appears to be serious, yet subtle about whatever it is she thinking about or doing. Her arms are also not present, however, I am not sure that is the original intent of the statue. Overall, this statue depicts a woman of power and elegance, one who has soft feminine features, yet serious overtones in the way she carries herself.
Posts
I like this sculpture. She looks very rich and full of life.
ReplyDeleteI like that this sculpture has a lot of texture and detail. The folds in the garment are very realistic.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the detail of hairstyle and dress definitely adds to the "visual pleasure" of looking at the sculpture.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful description/discussion, focussed and thoughtful. You could also add that her facial expression bears the"archaic smile' so characteristic of classical Hellenistic sculpture.