Detail of a Roman Marble Statue of a Woman in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, January 2012

Title: Marble statue of a woman

Period: Imperial

Date: 1st or 2nd century CE

Culture: Roman

Medium: Marble

Dimensions: H. 65 in. (165.1 cm)

Classification: Stone Sculpture

Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Frederick F. Thompson, 1903

Accession Number: 03.12.10a


Copy or adaptation of a Hellenistic statue of the 2nd century B.C.

This figure wears three layers of clothing: a sleeved chiton visible below the neck, which is tied with a looped knot at the waist; a second chiton or peplos, fastened on both shoulders; and a himation (cloak), draped over the left shoulder and the lower part of the body. The composition of the drapery with its complex design of folds visible beneath layers of semitransparent material is a characteristic feature of sculpture dated to the late Hellenistic period. This Roman copy captures much of the variety and subtlety of the original work. A portrait head was probably fitted into the hollow prepared at the neck.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/246994