Greece, Hellenistic, ca. 3rd century BCE. A molded terracotta theater maskette depicting a male face with an expressive countenance. This includes openwork eyes with thick lids and ample brows above a pronounced nose, a mustache, and a full beard. The surface was once covered in creamy beige/white slip and much of the pigment remains, particularly in the striated lines of the beard. Size: 3.75" W x 4.75" H (9.5 cm x 12.1 cm); 5.4" H (13.7 cm) on included custom stand.
Masks played an important role in Classical theatre. An actor's entire head and hair would be covered by a large mask of simple design, made from linen or cork, with holes for the mouth and eyes. These masks allowed audience members seated in all areas of the theatre to understand what was happening, while also amplifying the actor's voice. The Pompeiian mosaic from the House of the Tragic Poet (now in the Naples National Archaeological Museum) shows several examples of these masks including one actor wearing an example pushed up on his head. Mask motifs on decorative art speak to the power and popularity of Roman theatre.
Provenance: private New York, USA collection; ex-private collection of Professor Dr. Gunther Marschall, Hamburg, Germany, acquired between 1967 and 1975
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#133037
Condition
Repaired from about three pieces with losses to peripheries. Repairs are well done and unobtrusive. Normal surface wear with slip loss, though some remains. Areas of mineral deposits.