“She stood before him, the daughter of Zeus, Aphrodite, looking like an unwed maiden in size of length and appearance. She did not want him to notice her with his eyes and be frightened of her.
When Anchises saw her, he was filled with wonder as he took note of her appearance and size of length and splendid clothes. For she wore a robe that was more resplendent than the brightness of fire.
She had twisted brooches and shiny earrings in the shape of flowers. Around her tender throat were the most beautiful necklaces. It [her robe] was a thing of beauty, golden, decorated with every sort of design. Like the moon it glowed all around her tender breasts, a marvel to behold.” (Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite, translated by Gregory Nagy)
We all know how the story goes–girl meets boy or rather, handsome cattle herder Anchises meets goddess Aphrodite in disguise, you get the idea.
But Homer also gives us a vivid description of Aphrodite’s clothes, which does throw light on how ancient Greeks dressed and the aesthetics that appealed to them.
