The great statue of the goddess Artemis of Ephesus holds symbolic significance; several versions of it exist.
Their symmetry, body, and arm posture are similar to the art of ancient Egypt, and it seems there was some cultural exchange. Their symbolism is that of a sphinx. Artemis merges with her many animals, which are her hunting trophies. You can see a lot of wildlife, but also lions, bees, and plants. Sphinxes are the way to the heavenly temple of her triple crown, which has the great temple at its top. Even her hair is represented by animals.
In some versions, Artemis bears depictions of the constellations over which she holds sway upon her chest, while lions—representing her divine strength—adorn her arms. Artemis embodies womanhood in its multiplicity and protects those she loves; this love is manifested in her many breasts. Her pride lies in her pronounced femininity—an attribute she need not conceal, but rather a hallmark of the Amazonian culture said to have existed in Ephesus as a matriarchy. The Amazons sometimes left their breasts exposed. Here, Artemis embraces the Amazons and the women who are part of her; her feet stand firmly upon the earth while her crown reaches high into the heavens, signifying a power that spans all planes of existence—and her crown is threefold, reflecting her nature as the Triple Goddess.