![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/43/Colossal_head_of_Demeter_%25282nd_cent._B.C.%2529_at_the_National_Archaeological_Museum_of_Athens_on_October_26%252C_2021.jpg/640px-Colossal_head_of_Demeter_%25282nd_cent._B.C.%2529_at_the_National_Archaeological_Museum_of_Athens_on_October_26%252C_2021.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Lycosoura Demeter
Hellenistic statue of Demeter from the city of Lycosoura, created by Damophon in 180 BC / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Lycosoura Demeter is a remnant of a colossal sculpture of Demeter, created by the sculptor Damophon in 180 BC for the Temple of Despoina in the ancient city of Lycosura, now Arcadia, Greece.[1]
Lycosoura Demeter (NAMA 1734) | |
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![]() created by Damophon | |
Type | Colossal Bust |
Material | Doliana marble |
Height | 75 cm |
Created | 180 BC |
Discovered | 1889 Lycosura 37°23′23"N 22°01′52"E |
Place | National Archaeological Museum of Athens |
Present location | Athens, Greece |
Identification | NAMA 1734 |
Culture | Hellenistic |
It is part of a mini-pantheon prominent in the city, which also includes the goddess Artemis, the Titan Anytos, and the goddess Desponia, the "Mistress", whose true name remains unknown, according to the historian Pausanias, who catalogued the region in his book Description of Greece (Ἑλλάδος Περιήγησις, Hellados Periegesis).[2][3]
The cult statues was believed to be about 6 meters in height, and the depiction of the deities were also documented on Roman provincial currency issued by the city of Megalopolis.[1]
The bust is currently housed by the National Archaeological Museum, alongside the bust of Artemis, designated NAMA 1734. [2]