Fig. 43.Fig. 44.Fig. 45.
Persephone (Proserpine).Artemis (Diana).

Artemis (Diana). As the goddess of Nature in her wilder aspects, Artemis carries a bow, and at her shoulder a quiver of arrows (Figs. [44, 45]). She is often accompanied by a dog or a stag. As the Moon goddess, Selene, the crescent is her symbol. On late coins of Ephesus she appears under a totally different aspect, viz., as the embodiment of the nourishing, life-giving forces of nature, symbolised by her many breasts.

(a) Fig. 46. (b)
Aphrodite (Venus).

Aphrodite (Venus). On the coins of Eryx, in Sicily, the goddess of love is seated fully draped, with Eros (Cupid) as a youth (not a child, as in Roman art) standing before her, and with a dove in her hand. On Imperial coins of Cnidu, the famous naked Aphrodite by Praxiteles was represented. As the goddess of heaven (Aphrodite Urania), she sits upon the globe [(Fig. 46 a)], her head surmounted by the morning star, and holding in her hand a sceptre. On the reverse of the same coin [(Fig. 46 b)] are seen the sun, the moon, and the five planets.

Cybele. “The mother of the gods” wears a turreted crown. Sometimes she rides upon a lion, at other times she is seated on a throne between two lions. The rabbit is also symbolical of her worship, as an earth goddess.

Isis. This Egyptian goddess is recognised by her peculiar head-dress, consisting of a globe or disc flanked by two cow’s horns and surmounted by two ostrich feathers. In her hand she often holds the sistrum (a musical instrument). As Isis Pharia (a sea goddess) she holds a sail.