Ancient Greece, Tanagra, Hellenistic Period, ca. 3rd century BCE. A stunning pottery female, boasting expertly rendered and impressively preserved details as she stands contrapposto, hands grasping at the multitudes of billowing folds of her chiton and himation that cascade down her slender figure. Crowned by a slightly conical tholia hat, her thick coiffure is piled into an elegant, 4-sectioned bun as her idyllic visage gazes forward presenting petite eyes, a naturalistic nose, full cheeks, and plump lips. The rich fabric of her drapery beautifully complements the feminine curves of her body, stretching across her bosom and flowing down her sloped shoulders and voluptuous hips. Size: 3.5" W x 10.6" H (8.9 cm x 26.9 cm)

During the Hellenistic Period, Greeks had access knowledge about the past through institutions like the Library of Alexandria, creating a sense of history and connection to the Greeks who had come before them. Prominent Hellenistic art collectors commissioned pieces based on public statues from the earlier Classical Period, and smaller, more available art forms like this sculpture echoed the naturalistic, detailed classical style. Terracotta figures like this one have been found in private dwellings where they may have been part of a shrine or had a religious purpose. Others decorate tombs and sanctuaries - in Tanagra, the site that this style of figure is named for, some graves have up to a dozen of these statuettes. Perhaps they represented mourners, dressed in finery to attend a funeral.

'Tanagras' are named after the site in Boeotia, central Greece, where thousands of similar figures were unearthed in the early 1870s. Figures of men, children and comic actors were also found at Tanagra, but standing female figures are the most numerous. The chief appeal of Tanagra figures lies in their exceptional artistic quality usually considered to be the finest of all Greek figurines. The ladies are normally depicted in casual poses and their clothes, which usually consist of a thinner undergarment, the chiton, worn beneath a thicker cloak or himation, are typically pulled and twisted in pleasing patterns which emphasize the form of the figure beneath. Most Tanagra figures are mold made and sometimes have a vent cut in the back to ensure even distribution of heat in the firing. After firing, the figure was coated in a white slip, often a solution of chalk or white clay, and then colors were added on top. The artists who produced these figures were known as coroplasts, literally 'modelers of girls.'

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: ex-John Hurter collection, Palm Springs, California, USA, prior to 1995

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#178938

Expected surface wear with some minor areas of chipping as well as nicks and abrasions, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice remaining detail and rich earthen deposits throughout. TL holes to base and upper left side of vent hold on verso.