Classical World, Etruria (Italy), ca. 4th to 3rd century BCE. A stunning mold-made terracotta votive depicting the head of a young woman. Supported by an elegantly long neck, her visage displays the epitome of classical beauty with almond-shaped eyes beneath a straight brow, a sharp nose, and bowed lips held slightly parted. A characteristically Etruscan coiffure of thick, wavy locks crowns her head, held back by a headband and gently hooded by her himation. The unarticulated verso forms her veil, which flares outwards on either side of her graceful neck. The elegant head is further adorned by applied clay ornaments, such as lovely earrings and circular fibulae flanking the base of her neck. 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. This example is particularly fine, with wonderfully preserved details. Size: 7.4" W x 10.5" H (18.8 cm x 26.7 cm); 13.8" H (35.1 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; just look at those eyes and gently parted lips! What's more, this visage would have been beautifully painted to imbue it with even more humanity.

Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection

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#168075

Fragment of a larger piece. Loss to tip of nose and bottom of right earring. Stable fissure travels horizontally across temples, eyes, and base of nose. Expected softening of details as well as light abrasions and a few nicks. Otherwise, excellent with nice earthen deposits.