Aphrodite (Aphrodite Cyprida)

myminifactory

This stunning head-portrait sculpture represents Aphrodite Cyprida. In "Theogony", Hesiod recounts the story of how Cronus severed his father Uranus' body and cast it into the sea. The turbulent blue waters foamed and from this foam, a beautiful golden-haired goddess emerged. The gentle winds carried Aphrodite to Cyprus in Paphos, where she stepped onto dry land. Upon her arrival, vibrant flowers began to bloom - anemones and bonnets that still thrive on the rocky shores of Paphos today. Homer continues the narrative by describing the warm welcome Aphrodite received from the lovely Horai (Seasons) upon emerging from the sea. Since then, Cyprus has been Aphrodite's cherished island, where she prefers to spend her time. The goddess is fondly referred to as "the smiling goddess of Cyprus", whose temple in Paphos serves as a fragrant altar (Homer's "Odyssey").