Asclepius, Ancient marble sculpture at Empúries archaeological site, Spain
Asclepius is a marble statue at the Empúries archaeological site in Spain, depicting a male figure wearing a cloak and sandals. The work stands about 2.15 meters tall and shows carefully crafted facial features and drapery.
The statue was discovered in 1909 during excavations and dates to the late 2nd century BC. It combines Parian marble for the upper body with Pentelic marble for the lower portion, demonstrating the technical skill of ancient sculptors.
The statue originally stood in a temple that served as a healing sanctuary, honoring the god of medicine or a related deity. The place attracted people seeking help for their ailments.
The work is on display at the Archaeology Museum in Empúries where you can examine it closely. The museum offers a good overview of the finds from the archaeological site.
The artwork was made from two different types of marble, which was an unusual technique in ancient Mediterranean sculpture. This combination shows how sculptors strategically used different materials.
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