Western Greek Terracotta Protome of a Woman
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Description
**First Time At Auction**
Ancient Greece, Archaic, ca. 650 to 480 BCE. A mold-made terracotta protome representing a female head, wearing a himation drawn up and over her head, with a scalloped fringe of bangs and long wavy locks elegantly framing her face and ears - a lovely face with open, almond-shaped, lidded eyes, a relatively naturalistic nose, nicely contoured cheeks, a rounded chin, and that signature Archaic smile. Although the exact significance of this smile is unknown, scholars suggest that the ancient Greeks associated it with good health and well being. The bust is further delineated with a subtly modeled chest and a long neck. Size: 3" W x 4.15" H (7.6 cm x 10.5 cm); 6.35" H (16.1 cm) on included custom stand.
Protomes like this example demonstrate these developing naturalistic leanings of Greek visual culture as well, with that Archaic smile signifying life and representing the Archaic ideal. They would have been dedicated in an ancient temple to the local deity, perhaps to thank the god or goddess, or to assist in making a request.
Provenance: ex-Davis collection, Houston, Texas, acquired before 2013 from various auction houses in London and New York
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.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#139941
Ancient Greece, Archaic, ca. 650 to 480 BCE. A mold-made terracotta protome representing a female head, wearing a himation drawn up and over her head, with a scalloped fringe of bangs and long wavy locks elegantly framing her face and ears - a lovely face with open, almond-shaped, lidded eyes, a relatively naturalistic nose, nicely contoured cheeks, a rounded chin, and that signature Archaic smile. Although the exact significance of this smile is unknown, scholars suggest that the ancient Greeks associated it with good health and well being. The bust is further delineated with a subtly modeled chest and a long neck. Size: 3" W x 4.15" H (7.6 cm x 10.5 cm); 6.35" H (16.1 cm) on included custom stand.
Protomes like this example demonstrate these developing naturalistic leanings of Greek visual culture as well, with that Archaic smile signifying life and representing the Archaic ideal. They would have been dedicated in an ancient temple to the local deity, perhaps to thank the god or goddess, or to assist in making a request.
Provenance: ex-Davis collection, Houston, Texas, acquired before 2013 from various auction houses in London and New York
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.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#139941
Condition
Very small losses to the top of the head and the lower edge. Encrustation in lower profile areas.
Buyer's Premium
- 24.5%
Western Greek Terracotta Protome of a Woman
Estimate $400 - $600
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Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Louisville, CO, usOffers In-House Shipping
Local Pickup Available
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