Published Etruscan Terracotta Votive Youth Head, ex Ede

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Exceptional Antiquities Ethnographic Fine Art...

By Artemis Gallery

Mar 24, 2022

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• Lot Description
  Classical World, Italy, Etruria, Etruscan culture, ca. late 4th to 3rd century BCE. A beautifully preserved terracotta votive head of a male youth. Hollow-molded and presenting atop a wide clavicle base, the head presents with features characteristic of Etruscan elegance such as almond-shaped eyes within heavy lids, a slender, nearly aquiline nose, full lips that are slightly parted, smooth cheeks, and cupped ears hidden beneath the bangs of his shaggy coiffure. The righthand and upper peripheries bear portions of the original himation which would have framed his entire head. Votive heads like this example were placed in temples as forms of requests or offerings to thank the gods; such offerings were especially prolific during times of conflict. Size: 7.125" W x 9.8" H (18.1 cm x 24.9 cm); 11.1" H (28.2 cm) on included custom stand.
  
  In some ways, the ancients of the Classical World were not very different from us. Just like today, youth and beauty were idealized, and flawless facial features represented purity and innocence. Scholars have posited that Etruscan portrayals like this example probably did not represent individuals. Nevertheless, this bust and others like it have incredibly lifelike details such as the piercing eyes, relatable expression, and masculine hairstyle. What's more, this visage would have been beautifully painted to imbue it with even more humanity.
  
  Published in Charles Ede, Ltd. Catalog, 1983, fig. 19
  
  Cf. a female example at The British Museum, museum number 1814,0704.862
  
  Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-George R. Francoeur collection, acquired from Charles Ede, Ltd, London, UK, on July 5, 1983
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
  
  Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
  
  #170896

  Condition

  Repaired from several pieces along verso and in a few areas across front of neck with light restoration, and resurfacing with overpainting along new material and break lines. Losses to himation fringe along upper lefthand corner as shown, with small chips and spalls along forehead, nose, and face. Age-commensurate surface wear and softening to some finer details, with light encrustations, and chipping around base. Great preservation to facial features across obverse. Old inventory labels within hollow interior.
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