Marble Statue of a Woman in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, July 2007

Marble statue of a woman
Roman, Imperial period, 1st or 2nd century AD
Copy or adaptation of a Hellenistic statue of the 2nd century BC

Accession # 03.12.10a

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 and subtlety of the original work. A portrait head was probably fitted into the hollow prepared at the neck.

Text from the Metropolitan Museum of Art label.