Greek sculptures revealed at the site of Aptera

Two small sized sculptures (approx 0.54cm height), one of Artemis made of copper and a second of her brother Apollo made of marble, were found at the archaeological site of Aptera, Chania on the island of Crete. Both statuettes were probably imported from artistic centres outside Crete in order to decorate the altar of a Roman luxury residence. First estimates date both of the statuettes to the late 1st – early 2nd century AD.

Sculptures found at Aptera (by Greek Reporter)
Sculptures found at Aptera (by Greek Reporter)

The statue of Artemis, guardian goddess of Aptera, is standing on a square copper base, wearing a short chiton, or tunic, and is ready to shoot her arrow. The preservation of the white material used for the iris of her eyes is spectacular. Apollo’s simpler statuette is in total contrast with the emphatic depiction of the dominating protector goddess. However, the sculpture is of excellent artistic execution with the apparent use of red color.

(after Greek Reporter)

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