Marble female figure

Technical analysis: Multiband imaging, optical microscopy, x-ray fluorescence radiography, Raman spectroscopy


The figure, carved from white marble, is complete except for the lower part of the proper left leg, which is a modern restoration in marble. The head and neck were joined at the base of the neck using a modern adhesive. Numerous scratches in the surface appear to be from the original manufacture, and highly polished areas of the face are likely the result of modern polishing. Patches of brown accretions are preserved, especially on the back and the proper left side of the face. Red pigment preserved in an incision around the lower neck and at the base of the nose and chin has been identified as hematite.


The Precanonical figure type anticipates the later canonical folded-arm Kapsala and Spedos varieties. The figure is small, but has a carefully modeled body, with rounded breasts, a slightly swelling lower abdomen, and contoured thighs and calves. The oval head features a slightly raised nose. The legs are defined by deep grooves on the front and back, but they are fully separated only between the knees and feet. Although the diagonal position of the folded arms is unusual, the placement follows the canonical left over right. There is no indication of fingers or toes, but some anatomical details may have been painted. The center of the back is marked by a vertical incision, which joins the one at the base of the neck.


Alexis Belis, Dorothy Abramitis, and Federico Carò