A Hellenistic masterpiece: the Medici Aphrodite

Abstract

Numerous copies of both the Medici and Capitoline Aphrodite were produced in the Roman period. Judging only from the number of copies, it is generally accepted that the Capitoline was the most popular type followed by the Knidia and finally the Medici. First an examination of the copies, variants and quotations of each type is given to provide some background on the Medici and Capitoline. Next is a discussion of the dating of the pieces which has typically ranged from the fourth to the first centuries BC. An overview of a second century trend is presented to place both pieces in the second century, followed by a comparison of the Medici to the Telephos Frieze on the Great Altar of Pergamon and other known second century pieces such as the work of Damophon. This theory points to a second century date for the Medici and contradicts the recent scholarship of Christine Havelock who would assign the pieces to the first century and Julie Salathé who would place the pieces more broadly in the fourth to second centuries. Lastly, a discussion of the statue types found on Roman coins will shed light on where the original Medici type stood. These coins were issued at Nikopolis ad Istrum in Lower Moesia, Deultum in Thrace, Amasia in Galatia, Saitta and Philadelphia in Lydia and Megalopolis in the Peloponesse.