Darshan Neupane
WCIV
This is a bronze statue of Artemis and a deer. I took this
picture at the met museum. When I saw the statue, I felt that it
evoked power because of the fact the statue was of a female and
an important figure in history. I couldn’t recognize the statue but
when I read the description and saw the name “Artemis”. For
some reason, I thought about Atreus from God of war 3 game
who also happens to be a Greek legend. Artemis is a Greek
goddess of hunt. She is a daughter of Zeus and Leto. Although,
the creator of the statue is unknown. According to the
Metmuseum.org, “The statue is said to have been found in Rome near to the church of Saint John
the Lateran and likely would have decorated a peristyle garden of one of the large Roman villas or
town houses in that area.” According to the Article “Artemis Estate”, Artemis is a fierce warrior
and a hunter. She uses golden bows and arrows to defeat wild beasts. “She can also use her power
to bring disease, plague and sudden death to women” (Para 2). The deer was an animal held scared
to Artemis. The deer had four golden horns and were also used to pull her golden chariot. Through
the Greek mythology a lot of the powerful deity worshipped are Male. Lot of the Greek gods are
portrayed as flawed characters who often fight each other out of jealousy and envy. However,
Artemis is portrayed as respected and good goddess. One of the overarching themes that connects
to this statue is “The development of religion and philosophy within ancient Civ” Back in ancient
times a lot of the people prayed to Greek gods for help. If there was any problem, they would
worship the gods because they thought the god was unhappy and they will be punished.
Artemis signifies power and fertility. According to “thattheworldmayknow” People in ancient
civilization prayed to artemis for fertility, sexual fulfillment, and long life. Especially, protection
during pregnancy. Since in ancient times the rate of death of a mother was high due to problems
in maternity. The worship consisted of “Hundreds of eunuch priests, virgin priestesses, and
religious prostitutes served her. Worship rituals were quite erotic.” (Artemis of the Ephesians).
One of the other themes that relates to the artifact is art and monument building. The devotees
would visit the temples for worship and with large amount of devotes comes great wealth in forms
of donations. Many arts and monuments were built to honor her. For example, the temple of
artemis is a Greek temple first constructed in 880BC. The temple was originally built in the city
of Ephesus. The temple has been destroyed many times either due to man-made or natural
disasters. One of the historical events that destroyed the temple of artemis was the attack by goths
seeking to loot the wealth of Greek temples. Even after many centuries, the temple of artemis is
one of the wonders of the world due to its mesmerizing beauty and history. Therefore, this
particular artifact has a historical and religious significant.
Works cited:
Online link for the “Artemis and the deer” statue:
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/258081
Artemis Estate. ARTEMIS ESTATE & ATTRIBUTES - Greek Mythology. (n.d.). Retrieved
March 30, 2022, from https://www.theoi.com/Olympios/ArtemisTreasures.html
That the World May Know. (n.d.). Artemis of the Ephesians. That the World May Know.
Retrieved March 30, 2022, from https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/artemis-of-theephesians
Darshan Neupane
WCIV