Sophia Kelsou
2. Jh. n. Chr., nach hellenistischem Original
This robed statue of a Greek goddess of the type known as the Hellenistic Hera Campana was repurposed by adding an inscription on the plinth: the Greek words ΣΟΦΙΑ ΚΕΛΣΟΥ (sophia kelsou) identify her as the personification of the wisdom of Celsus, the library’s patron. Traces on the plinth, however, show that a bronze statue had originally occupied this place. When the library’s façade was restored in late antiquity, it was replaced by an extant, fitting marble statue.
This robed statue of a Greek goddess of the type known as the Hellenistic Hera Campana was repurposed by adding an inscription on the plinth: the Greek words ΣΟΦΙΑ ΚΕΛΣΟΥ (sophia kelsou) identify her as the personification of the wisdom of Celsus, the library’s patron. Traces on the plinth, however, show that a bronze statue had originally occupied this place. When the library’s façade was restored in late antiquity, it was replaced by an extant, fitting marble statue.
Time:
2. Jh. n. Chr., nach hellenistischem Original
Object Name
Statue
Culture
Römisch
Location of discovery:
Ephesos Celsusbibliothek Umgebung (Selçuk, Kleinasien, Türkei)
Material/technology:
Marmor
Dimensions:
L/H 189 cm
Copyright
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Antikensammlung
Invs.
Antikensammlung, I 948
Provenance
Sultan, Abdul, Hamid, II.; Österreichische Ausgrabungen in Ephesos; Geschenk an Kaiser Franz Joseph; 1915 nachträglich inventarisiert