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Statue of a drunken old woman

Roman copy
Rome, Musei Capitolini
Inv. MC 299/S

 

Strikingly realistic, this sculpture illustrates the state of intoxication of the old woman who, seated on the ground with her head lolling backward, seems unwilling to let go of her bulging wineskin. Her blank gaze and gaping mouth complete the masterly representation of the evil effects of excessive wine-drinking, making this a masterpiece of Hellenistic art.