Four seasons' muses moved to Bibliotheca Alexandria
Egypt, History, 10/13/2001

The statues of the muses of the four seasons, sculptured by the Greek, will be moved from Antoniades palace in Alexandria to Bibliotheca Alexandria.

The statues sculptured of marble show virgins wearing loose outfits, each carrying flowers and fruit symbolizing the season it represents.

In Graeco-Roman culture these muses guarded the gate of mountain Olympus, which the gods used back and forth when communicating with their subjects.

The statues were placed in Antoniades Palace in 1860 and it is not certain whether they were brought from Europe or had been carved by a European artist who contributed to Egypt's renaissance in the 19th century.

"Representing the four seasons by beautiful girls reflects a refined expression of human feelings signifying fertility," said Ahmed Abdul Fatah, Director of the Graeco-Roman museum.

Made of the finest brand of Italian marble, the statues are no less than three centuries old.

Abdul Fatah noted that the artist who made the statues was apparently influenced by the Italian school of art.

"The significance of displaying such artifacts at the new Alexandria Library is that they establish a fine link between thought and art of the past and a staunch endeavours for cultural revival at present," said Dr Ahmed Sotohi Professor of Sculpture.

The statues are actually invaluable for their artistic and cultural worth .

No place is better than Bibliotheca Alexandria, which will be the meeting place of the cultured elite from all over the world ,to display the marvelous pieces.

Previous Stories:
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  Egyptian antiquities in a Czech conference   (10/6/2001)
  Canub's statue to be lifted from the sea and displayed in Alex's Graeco -Roman   (10/4/2001)

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