Inv. Scu 983

The statue portrays a seated female figure, wearing a long robe (peplos), characterized by narrow vertical pleats. Her legs are crossed and covered by a cloak wrapped around her waist.

A basket for wool is depicted under the chair, a detail that has led the statue to being identified with that of Penelope, Ulysses’ wife, whose iconography seems have been conceived in the 5th century BC.

According to this iconography, common on terra-cotta reliefs, terra-cotta slabs (pinakes) from Melos and Campana slabs, Penelope is depicted with her head bent forward, resting in her right hand, while her left arm is placed on the chair.

The head, part of the arms and feet are missing.

It is an early Imperial copy from a 5th century BC original. The statue was found on the Esquiline Hill, near Sant’Eusebio .