The statuette of Aphrodite on a Dolphin is a statuette at the Archaeological Museum of Thasos. The work was created on Thasos, an island with a rich tradition of sculpture thanks to its white marble deposits. It is considered one of the museum's most recognizable exhibits and has traveled on loan to exhibitions outside the island.
Provenance The statuette belongs to the Hellenistic period and is dated between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. It was found in the Sanctuary of Poseidon in Thasos, which was located near the ancient port of the island. Aphrodite was also worshiped at the location, and the work was apparently a votive offering to her. The coexistence of Aphrodite and Poseidon in the same sanctuary was frequent, as sailors sought the protection of both for safe voyages.Pirenne-Delforge, V. (1994). L’Aphrodite grecque. Contribution à l’étude de ses cultes et de sa personnalité dans le panthéon archaïque et classique. Kernos (Supplément 4).
Description Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, sits on the back of a dolphin, referencing her marine birth. In her now missing hand, Aphrodite is thought to have held her headdress. A small Cupid appears on the dolphin's tail.
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