Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Figure 113 and 114

Artemis from Cyrene
Artemis, the goddess of hunting, as portrayed in Cyrene (2nd cent. AD). She was originally holding a bow in her hand. She is represented with many breasts or eggs in Ephesus. Istanbul Archaeological Museum, Turkey
Artemis from Ephesus
Reproduction of the Ephesian Greek goddess Artemis (Roman goddess Diana). She was the goddess of the hunt, wild animals, childbirth, virginity, and twin of Apollo. Homer describes Artemis “of the Wilds” (Agrotera) and “Mistress of Animals” (Potnia Theron; Il. 21.470) and she is often depicted as a huntress carrying a bow and arrow (Ovid Metam. 3.251). The Ephesian depiction of Artemis was unique with multiple breasts, sometimes identified by scholars as bull testicles, pomegranates, or eggs and wearing a long cloak of bees. There seemed to be similar attributes with Cybele (an Anatolian mother goddess), including being served in the Temple by female slaves, young virgins, and eunuch priests.

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