Statue of Thalia

Excavated in 1775 by Gavin Hamilton in the Terme di Porta Marina. Shipped to London in 1776 for the Townley collection. Bought in 1805.
Date: first century AD (torso). H. 1.82.

Thalia is the Muse of comedy and idyllic poetry. She holds a pedum (shepherd's stick). The head is ancient, but does not belong with the body. The hair is encircled with a weath of ivy leaves and buds.

Inv. nr. 1805,0703.33. Paschetto nr. 19, with incorrect year. Arachne 10673. Photo: British Museum. BM info.