Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
"The Goddess of Morgantina" is considered one of the most controversial finds in the history of recent archeology in Sicily. The figure formerly known as "Getty Aphrodite," dated around 400 BCE, had been stolen by looters in Sicily, subsequently purchased by the Getty Museum in 1987, and returned to the Italian state only in September 2007. Unfortunately, illicit excavations have increased unresolved questions about the depiction of the goddess. The various hypotheses for identification of the female divinity represented in Morgantina's sculpture have sparked a lively and wide-ranging scientific debate among scholars. The archaeologist and art historian Antonio Giuliano first raised the question regarding the identity of the Goddess of Morgantina, identifying the statue as a Demeter. Other scholars like Caterina Greco and Serena Raffiotta supported this idea. However, in opposition, scholars like Angelos Delivorrias went against Giuliano’s idea and have identified the figure with the Greek goddess Aphrodite.
My research suggests that The Goddess of Morgantina depicts a Demeter, not Aphrodite. The mature physique of the statue, the matron hood, and the importance of Demeter's cult in Sicily, play an essential part in the identification of the goddess. The connection between the Etna volcano, an active volcano located in close proximity to Morgantina, and the connection with the cult of Demeter has played a vital role in this research for finalizing the recognition of the statue as a Demeter.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Jared Benton
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
Art Department
College Affiliation
College of Arts & Letters
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Disciplines
History of Art, Architecture, and Archaeology
Session Title
Art History 2:Critical Role of Women (Artist, Spectator, Patron, & Subject)
Location
Learning Commons @Perry Library, Room 1306
Start Date
3-25-2023 10:45 AM
End Date
3-25-2023 11:45 AM
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The Goddess of Morgantina: Aprhodite or Demeter?
Learning Commons @Perry Library, Room 1306
"The Goddess of Morgantina" is considered one of the most controversial finds in the history of recent archeology in Sicily. The figure formerly known as "Getty Aphrodite," dated around 400 BCE, had been stolen by looters in Sicily, subsequently purchased by the Getty Museum in 1987, and returned to the Italian state only in September 2007. Unfortunately, illicit excavations have increased unresolved questions about the depiction of the goddess. The various hypotheses for identification of the female divinity represented in Morgantina's sculpture have sparked a lively and wide-ranging scientific debate among scholars. The archaeologist and art historian Antonio Giuliano first raised the question regarding the identity of the Goddess of Morgantina, identifying the statue as a Demeter. Other scholars like Caterina Greco and Serena Raffiotta supported this idea. However, in opposition, scholars like Angelos Delivorrias went against Giuliano’s idea and have identified the figure with the Greek goddess Aphrodite.
My research suggests that The Goddess of Morgantina depicts a Demeter, not Aphrodite. The mature physique of the statue, the matron hood, and the importance of Demeter's cult in Sicily, play an essential part in the identification of the goddess. The connection between the Etna volcano, an active volcano located in close proximity to Morgantina, and the connection with the cult of Demeter has played a vital role in this research for finalizing the recognition of the statue as a Demeter.