**Originally Listed At $1200**

Ancient Greece, Tanagra, Hellenistic Period, ca. 3rd century BCE. A charming pottery figure of a female draped in flowing robes and standing contrapposto with one hand on her chest and the other arm at her side. Her sweet visage is sensitively rendered with a fine brow line above almond-shaped eyes, a round nose, and bowed lips. Luscious locks of wavy hair are piled atop her head as the billowing folds of a himation drape her sloped shoulders and a long chiton falls to her feet. Note the impressive remains of creamy white pigment that adorns her robes and skin, as well as the vibrant auburn paint enveloping her coiffure. Size: 2" W x 6.4" H (5.1 cm x 16.3 cm); 7.4" H (18.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Inspired by historical knowledge like that collected at the Library of Alexandria, prominent Hellenistic art collectors commissioned large pieces based on public statues from the earlier Classical Period. More available art forms like this one echoed the naturalistic, detailed classical style that reached a pinnacle in small statuary during the Hellenistic period. Artisans looked for inspiration not only from the past but also from what they observed around them - usually women. Terracotta figures like this example have been uncovered in private dwellings where they may have had a religious purpose or been part of a shrine. Other figures decorate tombs and sanctuaries - in Tanagra, the site that this style of figural artwork is named for, some of the over 10,000 discovered graves have up to a dozen of these statuettes. Perhaps they represented mourners, dressed in finery to attend a funeral.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report will accompany the item upon purchase.

Provenance: private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection, acquired before 2003

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#177660

Professionally repaired and restored with repainting over break lines. Expected nicks and abrasion, commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice presentation with liberal remaining pigments. TL holes to base and verso of figure.