Lot 13
Ancient Greece, Archaic period, ca. 550 to 525 BCE. A fabulous mold-made terracotta head of a goddess, likely Persephone or Demeter, draped in a himation above a scalloped fringe of bangs as long locks cascade down her slender neck. Her lovely visage is comprised of arched brows over large eyes, a sharp nose, a pointed chin, and a signature Archaic smile. Although the exact significance of this smile is unknown, scholars suggest that the ancient Greeks associated it with good health and well being. A wonderful example from this early period! Size: 3" L x 4.25" W x 4.75" H (7.6 cm x 10.8 cm x 12.1 cm); 6.25" H (15.9 cm) on included custom stand.
By the seventh century BCE, Greek art began to evolve from its embrace of geometric patterning, which was favored between approximately 1050 and 700 BCE, to a desire to create more naturalistic representations of the human figure. Most famous are the freestanding sculptures of two main types, the male standing youth known as a kouros, and the draped standing female kore. The earliest examples demonstrate an Egyptian influence in both pose and proportions, but over time sculptors created even more lifelike representations. These were placed in sanctuaries as well as cemeteries and served as grave markers and dedications to the deities. Protomes like this example demonstrate these developing naturalistic leanings of Greek visual culture as well, with that Archaic smile signifying life and representing the Archaic ideal. They would have been dedicated in an ancient temple to the local deity, perhaps to thank the god or goddess, or to assist in making a request.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Brunk Auctions, Asheville, North Carolina, USA, "Emporium Auction," September 14, 2023, lot 193 (1 of 8); ex-private Virginia, USA collection
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#183904
- Condition: A section with losses to lower area / base and age-expected surface wear, as shown. Otherwise, very nice presentation with liberal remaining detail and great root marks throughout. Light earthen deposits to surface.
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