Inv.-Nr. 1355

Sog. Große Herkulanerin

Dresden, Staatliche Skulpturensammlung H 326
Römische Kopie des 1. Jh. n. Chr. nach einem Original aus dem späten 4. Jh. v. Chr.

Female costume in the Greek and Roman world was often designed to convey feminine ideals of chastity and modesty, as exemplified by the statue which forms the basis for this cast. The statue was found in the Italian town of Herculaneum in the area of the theatre, where it had been buried by the eruption of the volcano Vesuvius in 79 CE.

Married women are sometimes depicted wearing a veil (or in Latin, a pala) covering their heads, indicating their married status. In this case, the veil is made from a mantle that is also wrapped around the woman’s shoulders and upper body. She holds it in place with her right hand, using the rich folds of the drapery to cover the curves of her body. This gesture of modesty can also be seen on what is known as the earlier pudicitia statue type.

The statue on which this cast is based was originally one of a pair. Together, they are known as the Large Herculaneum Woman (our example here) and the Small Herculaneum Woman. This second statue represents a younger, unmarried woman with her head uncovered, and a more guarded stance and posture.

Fundraising Campaign: We are currently raising the funds that will enable us to purchase a cast of the so-called Small Herculaneum Woman. We would be very grateful if you donated a small amount here.