Pseudo-Archaic Athena Promachos

myminifactory

The Herculaneum Pallas originates from the Tablinium of the Villa of the Papyri in Herculaneum, crafted between 49-25 BC. This work exemplifies Roman flair for "archaising," a trend characterized by creating sculptures imitating early Greek Archaic style. Archaising sculpture is defined by combining stylistic elements from the Archaic period, such as long parallel folds of clothing with anachronistic sleeves, and neo-Classical facial features. However, these features are so eclectic and stylized that they could never be mistaken for genuine Archaic pieces. Pallas, the Roman counterpart to Athena, is depicted in a striding pose holding a spear aloft, a popular motif on ancient painted ceramics from earlier centuries. A colossal Athena Promachos stood proudly atop the Athenian Acropolis.