Ancient Greece, Cyprus, ca. 6th to 5th century BCE. An impressive limestone female votive figure from ancient Cyprus, exhibiting Archaic characteristics reminiscent of Greek kouroi sculptures as she stands stiffly with arms at sides and head facing forward in a thin-lipped smile. Her tight-fitting himation and diadem are common attributes of Cypriot votive figures, as are her sizable, almond-shaped eyes and the offering bag which she carries in her left hand. The ancients placed figural statues of votaries in temples as acts of supplication to deities. This is quite a rare example as Cypriot stone figural sculptures are exceedingly difficult to find. Size: 3.5" W x 12.8" H (8.9 cm x 32.5 cm); 14.9" H (37.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Limestone sculpture had a centuries-long tradition in Cyprus; it flourished during the Archaic and early Classical periods before its decline in the fourth century BCE. Greek control over the island during most of that time period - as well as a less overt but still important Greek influence on eastern Mediterranean culture - meant that Cypriot sculptors often imitated Greek statuary, and the Greek veneration of male youths was an artistic constant. This piece comes to us from the period when Cypriot artisans produced limestone art. In time, the availability of marble and bronze statuary from other areas of Greek cultural influence, coupled with the ease with which artists could travel around the area during the relative peace of the Hellenistic era, meant that the native tradition of limestone sculpture would eventually come to a demise, replaced by works from outside the island.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private Carmel, New York, USA collection, acquired from Nurit and Denny Pinkus, Israel, 1984

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#175493

Head professionally reattached with restoration over break lines, and chipping to base with minor loss to toes of left foot. Surface wear commensurate with age as shown. Otherwise, excellent with traces of remaining pigments on feet and liberal earthen deposits throughout.