LOT 0095

Greek Terracotta Head Collection

3RD-2ND CENTURY B.C.

3 3/4 - 5 3/8 in. (491 grams total, 9.5-13.5 cm high including stand).

Each modelled in the round and and derived from a larger female figure, some wearing diadems and some with draped heads; each mounted on a custom-made display base. [4]

Acquired in the 1970s.
Ex European private collection.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11795-206534.

Cf. Summerer, L., Hellenistische Terrakotten aus Amisos: ein Beitrag zur Kunstgeschichte des Pontosgebietes, Stuttgart, 1999, figs.S II, 12,S II,16, for a similar draped head and for a female head in terracotta.

These figurines reflect sculptural prototypes. Interestingly the head of one of the women is draped in a himation, and the head is turned slightly to the right like the terracotta of Amisos which represents a dancer. These figurines were most probably manufactured in Hellenistic cities by craftsmen who used either light yellow or dark brown clay. After the firing, the surface of the clay became reddish, while the core became grey-brown. The majority of the figurines were made from untreated clay with many impurities, such as coarse grain. Due to the quality of the clay the surface of the figurines was often rugged, despite the retouch, but were painted with vivid colours, as is still visible on the pink polos on one of the heads.