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Learn MoreAncient Greek Terracotta Goddess
- This highly rare and exceptional Classical head of goddess hails from ancient Greece
- Believed to be Demeter, it was crafted in the ancient city of Taranto during the zenith of its power
- The goddess appears powerful, poised and perfectly preserved
- The creation attests to the extraordinary level of skill and artistry of the Tarentine artists
- Get complete item description here
$64,500
Item No.
31-6874
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Description
This highly rare and exceptional Classical head of goddess hails from ancient Greece, dating to around the 4th century BCE. Believed to be the goddess Demeter, the museum-quality treasure has withstood the test of time. Crafted in the ancient city of Taranto during the zenith of its power, the sculptural head is powerful, pensive and perfectly preserved, exuding the glory of ancient Greece.
The figure remains in overall very good condition and features the. . .
The figure remains in overall very good condition and features the. . .
Read more
This highly rare and exceptional Classical head of goddess hails from ancient Greece, dating to around the 4th century BCE. Believed to be the goddess Demeter, the museum-quality treasure has withstood the test of time. Crafted in the ancient city of Taranto during the zenith of its power, the sculptural head is powerful, pensive and perfectly preserved, exuding the glory of ancient Greece.
The figure remains in overall very good condition and features the materials and styles for which the artists of Taranto (present-day southern Italy) were renowned. The poised goddess’s wavy hair, center part and himation—a common ancient Greek head covering— frames her serious yet tranquil expression. Tarentine artists were known for their mastery of terracotta, which they used to create large-scale figures of the highest quality. Originally finished smooth, the statue would have worn a diadem, almost certainly made of gold, attached around the depression that runs over the head like a hairband. A delicate cloth would have been held in place by the crown to create the impression that she was wearing a real himation. Such intricate details attest to the extraordinary level of skill and artistry of the Tarentine artists who created the exceptional sculpture.
Demeter, an important deity of motherhood in Greek mythology, was the patron of agriculture and fertility and was considered responsible for the growth and nourishment of crops. Tarentine citizens believed Demeter’s favor allowed their small Spartan colony, established in the 8th century BCE, to grow into the preeminent trading center and the naval power of the Ionian seas. Though the city faced Athenian invasion, it withstood the existential threat and continued to flourish until its ultimate conquest by the Roman Empire in 272 BCE.
Similar, though less perfectly preserved, treasures are held in the private collections of prestigious museums including the Getty Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Princeton University Art Museum.
Circa 400 BCE
11 3/8“ high x 6” wide x 6“ deep
The figure remains in overall very good condition and features the materials and styles for which the artists of Taranto (present-day southern Italy) were renowned. The poised goddess’s wavy hair, center part and himation—a common ancient Greek head covering— frames her serious yet tranquil expression. Tarentine artists were known for their mastery of terracotta, which they used to create large-scale figures of the highest quality. Originally finished smooth, the statue would have worn a diadem, almost certainly made of gold, attached around the depression that runs over the head like a hairband. A delicate cloth would have been held in place by the crown to create the impression that she was wearing a real himation. Such intricate details attest to the extraordinary level of skill and artistry of the Tarentine artists who created the exceptional sculpture.
Demeter, an important deity of motherhood in Greek mythology, was the patron of agriculture and fertility and was considered responsible for the growth and nourishment of crops. Tarentine citizens believed Demeter’s favor allowed their small Spartan colony, established in the 8th century BCE, to grow into the preeminent trading center and the naval power of the Ionian seas. Though the city faced Athenian invasion, it withstood the existential threat and continued to flourish until its ultimate conquest by the Roman Empire in 272 BCE.
Similar, though less perfectly preserved, treasures are held in the private collections of prestigious museums including the Getty Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Princeton University Art Museum.
Circa 400 BCE
11 3/8“ high x 6” wide x 6“ deep
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Specifications
| Period: | Pre-18th Century |
| Origin: | Italy |
| Type: | Sculpture |
| Depth: | 6.0 in. (15.24 cm) |
| Width: | 6.0 in. (15.24 cm) |
| Height: | 11.38 in. (28.89 cm) |
Buy with Confidence
At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.
Learn More
