Ancient Greek Boeotian Terracotta Statuette of a Woman
£ 1,195.00
A finely crafted Ancient Greek terracotta statuette of a young woman. The figure is shown standing on a rectangular base, with one arm at her side and the other to her chest. She is depicted with wavy, coiffed hair and a high polos on her head, along with wearing a long draped peplos. The facial features and hair appear gently rendered in a naturalistic manner. Traces of the original pigmentation are visible on the figure, including the hair and drapery, as well as on the base. The reverse displays a large rectangular air hole in the centre. This statuette is a fine example of the common Boeotian type of the Greek Classical period.
Date: Circa 425-400 BC
Provenance: Private collection, London. Acquired Sotheby's London, 10 July 1979, lot 207. Offered Sotheby's London, 8 December 1994, lot 194
Condition: Good condition. The features are clear and the figure is intact. Some signs of wear such as scratches and minor chips. Some of the original pigment is visible on the surface, and the original white slip.
In stock
Terracotta statuettes such as this beautiful example, were potted in a specific region in north Attica, Boeotia, famous for its terracotta production of votive statuettes and figurines. Terracotta figurines are the most common sculpture types found in Greek art, including across Hellenistic sites. They vary from simple crude figures to finely rendered creations. Although present in a variety of different circumstances, a common usage was as a votive offering in funerary and sanctuary contexts. Terracotta figures were cheap to make and easily replicable, making them well suited for this purpose. All Greek sculptural production was originally polychrome. Few examples of statues and statuettes have come down to modern times in their original condition with their polychromy intact.
To find out more about votive offerings and polychromy in ancient art, please read our relevant blog posts: Ancient Greek Votive Offerings in Antiquity: Gifts to the Gods Polychromy in Ancient Greece.
