Statue of Aphrodite, Pan, and Eros
National Archeological Museum, Athens, GreeceMaterial: Parian marble
Date range: About 100 BC
Origin: Found in the "House of the Poseidonianstai of Berytus" (Beirut), Delos
This statue group shows a playful yet tense scene between three important figures in ancient religious myths. Aphrodite, the goddess of love, uses her sandal as a weapon against Pan to keep her dignity.
The winged god Eros represents the divine power of love and joins the scene to assist the goddess. His presence highlights the religious connection between love, desire, and the gods' influence over human feelings.
An inscription on the base tells us that a man named Dionysius dedicated this artwork to his ancestral gods. This shows that the statue was a religious gift intended to honor and please the divine spirits.
Museum label reference: 3335. Group of Aphrodite, Pan and Eros. Parian marble. Found in the "House of the Poseidonianstai of Berytus" (Beirut), Delos. Traces of colour can be made out in many places. The nude goddess Aphrodite attempts to fend off the goat-footed god Pan who makes erotic advances to her. She holds her sandal threateningly in her right hand, while the winged god Eros comes to her aid According to the inscription on the base, the group was dedicated by Dionysius of Berytus to his ancestral gods. About 100 BC.
Supplementary images:
Marble statue group of Aphrodite fending off Pan with help from Eros
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