Art and sculptures from Hadrian’s Villa: Marble statue of Flora, goddess of flowers and the season of spring

“As she talks, her lips breathe spring roses: I was Chloris, who am now called Flora.” Ovid

This week’s sculpture from Hadrian’s Villa is a marble statue of Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and the season of spring.

Marble statue of Flora, Roman artwork from the Imperial period with some modern alterations, from Hadrian’s Villa, Palazzo Nuovo, Capitoline Museums
© Carole Raddato

While she was otherwise a relatively minor figure in Roman mythology, being one among several fertility goddesses, her association with the spring gave her particular importance at the coming of springtime. Her festival, the Floralia, was held between April 28 and May 3 and symbolized the renewal of the cycle of life, drinking, and flowers. Her Greek equivalent was Chloris, who was a nymph and not a goddess. Flora was married to Favonius, the wind god, and her companion was Hercules. (Wikipedia)

This statue is on display in Palazzo Nuovo, Capitoline Museums, Rome.