**First Time At Auction**

Greece, Tanagra, Boeotia, Archaic Period, ca. 6th century BCE. A terracotta figure of what is probably a female worshipper, depicted extending her nub-like arms outwards from her simplified, flat body. Supported by an elongated neck, her head displays a prominent nose and annular eyes, framed by lengthy hair beneath a polos. Black paint on the buff fired clay surface forms wavy lines that travel vertically down the body and horizontally around the frontispiece. Size: 2.25" W x 5.4" H (5.7 cm x 13.7 cm)

The polos crown may signify a goddess, but in this case it probably signifies a woman of high social standing - idols are often representative of worshippers rather than gods, and at this time in history wealthy women are shown wearing the polos. The outstretched arms are another common feature of ancient idols, thought to signify an act of supplication, as are the large eyes, thought to indicate watchfulness to the gods.

Provenance: private W. M. collection, Traverse City, Michigan, USA; ex-Mr. and Mrs. Bergsma collection, acquired prior to 1976; ex-Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA collection

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#165528

Expected nicks, chips, and abrasions commensurate with age, as shown. Otherwise, excellent with impressive remaining pigments