Greece, Hellenistic period, ca. 3rd century BCE. A beautiful, mold-formed, hollow terracotta standing votive figure depicting a young woman standing in contrapposto with her weight shifted to her right leg, wearing a voluminous chiton with a himation wrapped around her arms and shoulders. Her peaceful countenance displays almond-shaped eyes, a petite nose, full lips, and slender cheeks, all presented below a pulled back coiffure crowned by a floral garland. Size: 8.875" H (22.5 cm)
During the Hellenistic Period, Greeks had access knowledge about the past through institutions like the Library of Alexandria, creating a sense of history and connection to the Greeks who had come before them. Prominent Hellenistic art collectors commissioned pieces based on public statues from the earlier Classical Period, and smaller, more available art forms like this sculpture echoed the naturalistic, detailed classical style. Terracotta figures like this one have been found in private dwellings where they may have been part of a shrine or had a religious purpose. Others decorate tombs and sanctuaries.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Mazard Family collection, France, acquired in 1970s
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#143543
Condition
Head has been reattached and body repaired from multiple pieces with some visible break lines, but repairs are otherwise very well done and difficult to see. Normal surface wear. Covered with earthen deposits.