Zwei Frauen Statue

Amidst the bustling cityscape, the Zwei Frauen Statue stands as a silent testament to ancient artistry. The Zwei Frauen, meaning “Two Women” in German, graces Dresden with its elegant presence. These aren’t just any statues. They are Roman copies of lost Greek masterpieces, echoing the skill of artists from centuries past. The statues, known as the Herculaneum Women, were unearthed between 1706 and 1713 in the theater of Herculaneum, a city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Originally, three statues were discovered: the Large Herculaneum Woman and two smaller counterparts. The Zwei Frauen in Dresden are two of these three statues, their graceful forms captivating onlookers. The statues’ journey took them from Herculaneum to Vienna, as a gift to Prince Eugene, before finally arriving in Dresden in 1736/37, becoming part of the Saxon Elector’s art collection. The Large Herculaneum Woman, standing at an impressive 1.95 meters, and the smaller women, each 1.70 meters tall, are believed to be copies of Greek originals from around 300 BC, possibly from the workshop of the renowned sculptor Praxiteles or his circle. The figures, draped in flowing garments, likely depict wealthy citizens rather than goddesses, reflecting the practice of using this style for portraits of elite women in Roman times. The Zwei Frauen Statue stands not just as a beautiful artwork, but also a symbol of the enduring power of art and the fascinating journey of these sculptures through time. They invite you to reflect on their ancient origins and the stories they whisper of a world long past.