Νύμφαι ὀρεσκῷοι βαθύκολποι

On the nymph of the Samos – Tralles type

Abstract

Original title: ΝΥΜΦΑΙ ΟΡΕΣΚΩΟΙ ΒΑΘΥΚΟΛΠΟΙ. Zum Nymphentypus Samos – Tralles

The nymph of the Samos – Tralles type is attested in two replicas of equal dimensions (Pythagoreion and Istanbul from Tralles) and in two simplified copies (formerly Smyrna and Taranto). Unlike the bulk of the imperial-period nymph figures, this type is characterized by the artistic draping of the thick himation, whose edges are bordered by a wide hem and long fringes. The original behind the copies was probably created in the mid 2^nd century BC and is evidence of the island’s cult of the nymphs. A cloak with a border and fringes is mentioned in the treasure inscription of 346/345 B.C. from the Heraion. In this connection the fringed cloak of the Knidian Aphrodite is discussed once again, and the statuettes of this type from the Heraion are presented.