Bronze statuette of a goddess
Unknown Artist
ca. 3rd–1st century BCE
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
H. 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm)
Classification
Bronzes
Culture & Period
Italic · Hellenistic
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, 1896
Accession Number
96.9.416
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite bronze statuette of a goddess, standing just 3 3/8 inches (8.6 cm) tall, dates to the Hellenistic period (ca. 3rd–1st century BCE) and hails from Italic culture in ancient Italy. Crafted by an unknown artist, it exemplifies the refined bronzework of pre Italic peoples, who were influenced by the dynamic Hellenistic styles spreading from Greece after Alexander the Great's conquests. Such small-scale figures were likely votive offerings dedicated at sanctuaries or cherished as household deities (lares), embodying divine protection and piety in everyday life. Bronze was a prized m...