Arete statue at ancient ruins at the
Library of Celsus,
Ephesus, Turkey
The four containing statues of female personifications of virtues:
Arete (Excellence)
Sophia (Wisdom)
Episteme (Knowledge)
Ennoia (Intelligence)
These virtues allude to the dual purpose of the structure, built to function as both a library and a mausoleum;
their presence both implies that the man for whom it was built exemplified these four virtues, and that the visitor may cultivate these virtues in him or herself by taking advantage of the library's holdings.
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