Research on the Cult Statue of Artemis Ephesia from the 17th Century to the Present Day

Abstract

This study analyzes nearly four centuries of academic interpretations of the cult statue of Artemis Ephesia, ranging from the earliest assessments in the 17th century to the latest scholarly perspectives of the 21st century. It delineates the evolution of interpretations of the goddess’s cult image, reflecting the religious, art historical, and archaeological viewpoints of each period. Particular emphasis is placed on pivotal moments that significantly advanced the iconographic and typological understanding of the statue. The paper highlights the legacy of early interpretations and the new insights offered by modern research, proposing that a comprehensive understanding of the cult image’s significance can only be achieved through an interdisciplinary methodology.