Basic Information

- Period: 2nd century BCE, Hellenistic era

- Material: White marble

- Discovery site: Delos, Cyclades Islands

- Collection: National Archaeological Museum of Greece

- Type: Funerary statue, tomb memorial sculpture Statue Interpretation

This figure belongs to the classic type known as the Small Herculaneum Woman, a highly popular female portrait model during the Hellenistic period:

1. Pose: The woman stands upright, with her right arm bent and hand gently resting on her shoulder, drawing in the draped himation (outer cloak); her left hand gathers the fabric. Her weight is shifted onto one leg, creating a soft S-shaped curve in the body (contrapposto balance).

2. Dress: Worn over a long, belted chiton (tunic) is a heavy Greek himation. The drapery is thick and richly layered, with strong drape and fluidity that follows the contours of the body naturally—characteristic of Hellenistic sculptural treatment of clothing.

3. Hair and Expression: Hair is arranged in tight curls gathered at the top of the head, simple and restrained. The facial expression is calm and solemn, devoid of intense emotion.