Aphrodite with Elaborate Diadem

This bronze statuette of Isis-Aphrodite was popular in the Ptolemaic period of Ancient Egypt between 305 BC and 30 BC; the longest and last dynasty of the empire. The cult of Isis-Aphrodite, whose protective powers included childbirth and motherhood, became especially important in Ptolemaic Egypt with the worshiping of ruling queens, including the dynasty’s most famous ruler, Cleopatra VII. Her cult spread across the Mediterranean and showed great popularity in Italy and Rome. 

The name Isis-Aphrodite was based on the previous assimilation of the great Egyptian goddess Isis, the patroness of nature and magic and the ideal mother, with Hathor, the ancient Egyptian god of love. Isis is represented by the sun-disc found on the two horns surmounted by two feathers. She holds a blossom or a piece of fruit in the right hand and likely held a mirror in the clenched left hand.

Most likely, this statue was created for a household shrine. Her soft chin, full lips of the small mouth and large, wide-open eyes represent the goddess ideal face of sensitive feminine beauty.