Polychromy in Corinthian Anatomical Votives
This study examines a sample of 103 anatomical votives from the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Corinth to identify the colors with which they were painted and explore the potential symbolic meaning of those colors. I challenge the prevailing assumption that the Corinthian votives were painted primarily according to a gendered color scheme and, in doing so, argue for a wider range of interpretive meaning. I have identified three other possible uses for color within the sample collection: enhancing the anatomical realism of the votive, representing a health issue according to the colors of the Hippocratic four humors, and imitating precious materials. These alternative meanings for color demonstrate the capacity of the votives to communicate not only between dedicants and divinity, but also between dedicants and their local community. Recognizing this wider range of symbolic meaning for votive colors allows scholars to better understand what sort information dedicants sought to display through their votive offerings.