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Artemis Diadoumena

Artemis Diadoumena is a Hellenistic statue, probably depicting Artemis, created around 100 BC. It was found near the House of the Diadumenos on Delos and is now in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens (NAMA 1829). The figure stands 1.40 meters tall and was made of Parian marble. Although parts are missing or restored, much of the statue is preserved. Artemis is shown moving calmly forward, wearing a short-sleeved chiton, a diagonal strap, and a mantle wrapped around her body. The hairstyle is especially elaborate, with braided plaits arranged around and over the head.

Artemis Diadoumena marble statuette with braided hair and draped garments, missing part of the left arm.
Artemis Diadoumena marble statuette on display, showing the goddess with elaborate braided hair and flowing drapery.
March 2018 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Artemis Diadoumena marble statue with braided hair and draped garments, missing the lower arms.
Artemis Diadoumena shown as a white marble statue with braided hair, draped clothing, and missing lower arms.
February 2014 © · CC BY-SA 3.0
Artemis Diadoumena marble statue of a standing female figure with draped robes, braided hair, and a missing right arm below the shoulder.
Artemis Diadoumena, a marble statue of a standing female figure with intricately draped robes and a braided hairstyle.
© · CC BY 3.0
Artemis Diadoumena marble torso with draped folds and braided hair against a red background.
Artemis Diadoumena shown as a marble torso with draped folds and braided hair.
February 2014 © · CC BY-SA 3.0
Marble bust of Artemis Diadoumena in profile against a red background, with short textured hair and draped shoulders.
Close-up profile of the marble bust of Artemis Diadoumena against a vivid red background.
January 2023 © · CC BY-SA 4.0

Identification

TitleArtemis Diadoumena
Object typeStatue
SubjectProbably Artemis

Historical context

PeriodHellenistic
DateProbably around 100 BC, based on stylistic comparisons

Creator

CreatorUnknown

Discovery and provenance

FindspotNear the House of the Diadoumenos, Delos

Physical characteristics

Height1.40 m
ConditionLargely well preserved, with some chips and modern restorations
Missing partsRight foot from the tarsus downward; right arm from above the elbow; left hand from above the wrist

Materials

MaterialParian marble

History and restoration

Original constructionThe arms were made separately and were later lost rather than broken off; the head and parts of the himation were also made separately and attached
RestorationThe head and parts of the himation were reattached in modern times after breaking off

Appearance

PoseThe right leg is the standing leg, the left leg is the free leg, and the goddess seems to move slowly and lightly forward
Left foot positionThe left foot is only lightly set down to the ankles
GarmentShort-sleeved chiton tied between the abdomen and chest with a cord
BeltA deerskin strap runs diagonally from the right shoulder between the breasts to the left hip
MantleWrapped around the left arm, hanging over the back, and passing from the right side between the legs to the ground, partly covering the right leg
FaceThe face has flawless features and a slightly open mouth
HairTwo braided plaits are wound around the head, with two smaller plaits running from the front to the back of the head

Location and ownership

Current locationNational Archaeological Museum, Athens
Inventory number1829