Aphrodite figurine holding a hare

MediumTerra-cotta

Dimensions8 1/2 × 3 1/2 inches (21.6 × 8.9 cm)

CultureGreco-Roman (?)

ClassificationsCeramics

Credit LineTransferred from University Collections

Terms

Ellás
Ceramics
Greco-Roman (?)

Object number74.074.013

Label CopyThe goddess depicted in this figurine is Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. In her right arm, she cradles a hare as she gathers up her himation, or cloak. The cloak drapes over her left shoulder and covers part of the much lighter chiton underneath, which clings to her belly and her legs. The traces of white slip on the front would have been added before applying more painted color to the figurine—which has since worn off—to help the colors stand out. This figure follows a tradition of Aphrodite portraits tracing back to the Archaic period (c. 800–479 B.C.) where she is often shown holding a hare or a dove. The hare was considered an appropriate gift for lovers, and so such figurines would be presented as offerings to the goddess for her blessing.

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