Sculptures of Women

Sculptures of Women

I choose two sculptures of women, the first being from 2nd century B.C. that were represented by the Greeks during the Hellenistic period, and the other from the Mauryan period in the 3rd Century B.C. After observing these sculptures, I was left with the impression that women were increasing in value or worth and that both societies were acknowledging the importance of females in their society. Although some may view these sculptures as objectification of the female body, I believe what was being portrayed was not just female sensuality, but also the power that sex and feminine beauty holds. The portrayal of the female bodies on both statues are strong and confident. Their pose is powerful and direct. The women do not appear feeble like paintings and sculptures from previous eras portrayed. I also feel that women making a greater appearance as the sole subject in artwork is indicative that women were valued in spite of not having equal rights to men during either of these time periods. Women had a specific role in society that artists during that time wanted to better understand and provide a platform to showcase. Perhaps this alludes to the progression of female autonomy and rights during these times.