Must-See Statues from Classical Antiquity in Istanbul Archaeological Museums
From Alexander the Great to Apollo... Take a tour in Istanbul Archeological Museums
Exhibition Hall of Statues, Istanbul Archaeological MuseumsThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
The sculpture collection of the Istanbul Archaeological Museums has unique works representing all of the stages of Greek and Roman art.
Hall of Gods and Goddesses, Istanbul Archaeological MuseumsThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
From the Balkans to Palestine, artifacts found in the region ruled by the Ottoman Empire were brought to this museum. These artifacts were grouped into Anatolian, Persian, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman collections.
The Exibihition Hall of Hellenistic Period, Istanbul Archaeological MuseumsThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
The development of ancient sculpture from the archaic to the late stage can be observed in the museums. The exhibitions include statues of mythological gods and heroes, and busts, portraits and statues of Alexander the Great and Roman emperors.
Portrait of Alexander the GreatThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
The Portrait of Alexander the Great
This portrait is a marble copy of the bronze statue originally made by Lysippos, one of the most important sculptors of his time.
The hair surrounds the head like a lion's mane, which is especially prominent in the sculptures of Alexander the Great.
It is aimed to emphasize the expression of breathing after exertion with details such as deep forehead lines, slightly low eyebrows, round eyes and a slightly open mouth.
The Statue of Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great is depicted from the front, with his body weight on his right leg. It is thought that the statue might have been holding a bronze spear in one hand while grasping the hilt of a sword hidden at the elbow in his other hand.
The Statue of Emperor HadrianusThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
The Statue of Emperor Hadrianus
This statue depicts Hadrian's military success, the empire's power and continuity. There are two different interpretations of the work: One of them is the suppression of the revolts of the Jews and Christians, organized by a leader named Bar Kochba.
The other interpretation is that it may have been dedicated to the struggle he won against the Parthians. Hadrian steps on the back of a barbarian under his feet.
In his armor, two different mythological events are displayed: Lupus (she-wolf), Remus and Romulus, which is the founding mythology of Rome, is nursing her brothers. The second is the relief of Pallas Athena, the symbol of the Trojan victory.
The Statue of Emperor NeroThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
The Statue of Emperor Nero
Nero, the fifth emperor of Rome and last emperor of the Julio-Claudians, is depicted leaning on a horn of fertility and wearing military attire. Nero, who died at the very young age of 30, is known as one of the most cruel rulers of Rome.
The Head of ZeusThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
The Head of Zeus
It was discovered in the Dörpfeld excavations in 1894, in the well called “Ba” in the Acropolis, Troy.Zeus (Jupiter in Roman mythology) is the chief god of Olympian Gods, who was worshipped especially in the Roman Period, including in the smallest villages in Anatolia.
Zeus is believed to be the ruler and protector of both gods and humans. During the Roman Period, he is the protector of especially farmers, cattle and barns in village-level settlements in Anatolia. His bolts of lightning were believed to increase the fertility of soil.
Apollo Playing the Lyre
Apollo, one of the 12 Olympian Gods, is the son of Zeus and Leto and the twin brother of Artemis. He is known as the god of art, divination, archery and healing.
The depictions of the god, who was worshipped in various regions of western Anatolia during the Roman Period, carrying a lyre on a horse, referring to his protective and healing properties, were frequently used in reliefs on tombs and votive steles.
Erotes in CockfightThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
Erotes in Cockfight
Eros, the son of Aphrodite, the god of love and affection, is usually depicted as a child with wings, bow and arrow in hand. This highly natural and energetic sculpture depicts Two Erotes holding their roosters and smiling at each other.
The Tykhe Statue
Tykhe, the goddess of fate and luck, identified with Fortuna in Rome, is the daughter of Oceanus. Although she is not among the Olympian gods and goddesses, she is one of the most beloved goddesses, especially in the Hellenistic period.
The Tykhe StatueThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
She is known as the distributor of good and bad luck. She is usually depicted with a rudder and cornucopia in her hand. On her left arm, she carries a boy named Plutos, a symbol of wealth, with a cornucopia filled with various fruits.
The Statue of Cornelia Antonia
This statue from Pisidia Antiocheia is dated to the Antonine period. Like the other female sculptures from the Hellenistic period onwards, it is a repetition of the Goddess Demeter type. It is meticulously made and well burnished by Hellenistic and Roman influences together.
SapphoThe Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
Sappho
Sappho, the well-educated daughter of a noble family from Lesbos, is one of the most important poets of the Ancient Greek world. Some sources mentioned that she was of Anatolian origin, and her family came from Troia. She is known for her lyrical poems in a male-dominated world.
She is known for her lyrical poems in a male-dominated world. She is called the “Tenth Mousa” (the tenth muse) by Plato.
Oceanus (The River God)The Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
Oceanus (The River God)
The River God, Oceanus, is at rest, wearing a himation that covers his body from the waist down, reclining on the base depicting a small undulating river. His hair and beard aimed to give the impression of moss due to the characteristic of the River God.
Ephebos Statue (Young Athete Statue)The Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
Ephebos Statue
Ephebe is a term in Ancient Greek that describes young men between the ages of 15-19. In ancient Greek and Roman times, ephebes were educated in running, wrestling, boxing etc., in public places called “gymnasion” (gymnasium) under the supervision of trainers.
They competed in the festivals held for the Olympian Gods, and their victories were highly respected.In this statue, an ephebe covered himself with khlamys made of thick felt fabric to not feel cold after exercise. The smile on his face infers his success and sereneness.
Istanbul Archaeological Museums (Main Building)The Directorate General of Cultural Assets and Museums of Türkiye
To read more on the Greek statues and artifacts, visit the Ephesus Museum collection.
