Thalia

This glorious sculpture of a young woman greets visitors to the British Museum dining area in London, England.

She is a life-size statue of... more

by Douglas Taylor

Title

Thalia

Artist

Douglas Taylor

Medium

Photograph - Fine Art Digital Photography

Description

This glorious sculpture of a young woman greets visitors to the British Museum dining area in London, England.

She is a life-size statue of Thalia the pastoral muse, richly draped with the Tunic and an outward loose garment, of so fine a texture that the forms of the body and limbs though covered, are very apparent; wearing a chiton and himation. She holds a pedum, a stick associated with the god Pan. Her body is clearly seen through the thin garments that she wears. The separately carved head is ancient but probably does not belong with the body. The hair is encircled with a wreath of ivy leaves and buds, although most of the leaves are restored. Part of the nose, arms and drapery are also restored. The carving of the back is less detailed than at the front which is meticulously detailed.

The statue may have originally represented a young goddess or heroine. The head was perhaps from a statue of a Maenad. The figure is now identified as the Muse of Comedy Thalia, although the original identifications are elusive.

This Roman masterpiece was found in 1775 at Ostia, and was excavated by Gavin Hamilton. It has resided at the British Museum since 1808.

Uploaded

April 26th, 2023