Aphrodite Anadyomene in a Shell Terracotta Figurine in the Louvre, June 2013

Pontus and Mysia
Region of Pontus: Amisus
Situated on the shores of the Black Sea, Amisus (present-day Samsun) was a Milesian colony which became an important centre for the production of figurines in the Hellenistic period and was particularly active between 125 and 75 BC. The technique employed there was above all remarkable for the extensive retouching carried out before firing (CA 1906, CA 1970, CA 1972), designed to bring out the sculptural qualities of the figurines, which in the past would have been painted or occasionally gilded. Amisus was also distinguished by the large number of protomes produced there, many of them relating to Dionysus whose cult was very popular in the region.

Aphrodite “Anadyomen” in a sea-shell
Late 1st century BC–early 1st century AD
Provenance: Kerch (former Panticapaeon)
H. 13 cm

Messaksoudy collection, 1920
Department of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities
CA 2288


Text from: cartelen.louvre.fr/cartelen/visite?srv=car_not_frame&idNotice=7768&langue=en