Statue of Isis Pelagia
Archaeological museum of ancient Messene
26_60_12000_190717_f_300_04-2
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Statue of Isis Pelagia
2nd century BCE
Archaeological museum of ancient Messene
Archaeological site of ancient Messene, theatre
Statue
MarbleHeight: 162.3 cm
Marble statue of Isis Pelagia, protector of the mariners. This is a high quality 2nd cent. CE copy of a hellenistic, 2nd cent. BCE, prototype. The goddess stands with her foot extended, on a boat ram. She was holding the front sail (now missing) with both hands, filled by the wind, while the goddess herself played the role of a mast. Her juvenile, vigorous face is surrounded by waving, wet curls of hair. She wears a sleeved long chiton and a himation. The wind sticks the elaborately fringed himation against her thighs; its upper part curves in an arrow-shape behind the goddess's back. Stemming obliquely from her left shoulder downwards is a floral garland, a typical feature of this Egyptian deity, whose worship was particularly widespread around the Mediterranean in late antiquity. It is believed that Isis, in her many capacities, was succeeded by Theotokos (Virgin Mary). The statue of Isis Pelagia stood in a niche of the stage in the roman theatre of ancient Messene, having a decorative function.