Media Information

 
 
 
Collection:
ADJUNCT MODULE B: ITALIAN ART
Preferred Title:
Pseudo-acrolithic Sculpture of a Female Deity
Alternate Title:
Goddess of Morgantina
Image View:
Detail, upper body from the left side, showing contrast in the smooth marble head and arm and the limestone drapery
Creator:
unknown (Ancient Greek)
Location:
repository: Museo archeologico di Aidone (Aidone, Sicily, Italy) Inv. 19
Location Note:
Largo Torres Truppia, 1
GPS:
37.416442 14.446247
Date:
ca. 420-410 BCE (creation)
Cultural Context:
Ancient Greek
Style Period:
Classical
Work Type 1:
sculpture (visual work)
Classification:
Sculpture and Installations
Material:
Parian marble; miocene calcarenite (limestone) of the Ragusa formation; cinnabar (pink pigment)
Technique:
carving (processes); construction (assembling)
Measurements:
214 cm (height)
Subjects:
deities; mythology (Classical); repatriation of art; art theft
Description:
Possibly from the Sanctuary of S. Francesco Bisconti in Morgantina (illegally excavated in 1978 or 1979). An acrolith is a composite sculpture made of stone and other materials, with the body made of lesser material, hidden with drapery. Pseudo-acrolithic means two forms of stone are combined, in this case a mix of a smooth (imported Parian marble) and rough textured stone (a type of limestone from Ragusa). This gives her chiton and himation an outstanding textured draping. Which goddess she represents (possibly Demeter or Hera) is unknown, but her size indicates a cult statue of importance. This is the Rich Style in Classical Greek sculpture from 430-400 BCE. The statue was on display at the Getty Museum, Los Angeles, until returned to Aidone in 2011. (Source: Boston Globe [online newspaper]; https://www.bostongl obe.com/)
Collection:
Adjunct Module B: Italian Art
Identifier:
7A3-G-AMA-GOM-A04
Rights:
© Scott Gilchrist, Archivision, Inc.

Pseudo-acrolithic Sculpture of a Female Deity