Greek Terracotta Female Protome Fragment Greek Terracotta Female Protome Fragment
Greek Terracotta Female Protome Fragment
Greek Terracotta Female Protome Fragment

Greek Terracotta Female Protome Fragment

SKU: MS.0097

Origin: Mediterranean, probably Boetia
Circa: 5th Century BC
Dimensions: 3.75" Height (9.5 cm)
Medium: Terracotta

Protomes were a type of adornment in the form of a head or upper torso which could either be human or animal. They would have generally been used to decorate ancient architecture, sculpture, or pottery. Our lovely example is a Greek terracotta fragment depicting a smiling woman, or more likely a goddess.  She wears a stephane atop her beautifully detailed wavy locks and dons disc earrings.  The countenance is serene, archaized with almond shaped eyes, a broad nose, and full lips in gentle smile.

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$3,000.00

with Ariadne Galleries, New York. Mavrommatis collection, Switzerland; acquired early 1990s

Broken away below the chin. Overall with a heavily encrusted surface with some flaking and rubbing.

The present fragment wonderfully depicts the so-called "archaic smile" which is characteristic of the Archaic Period (circa 650 – 480 BC). There have been several explanations for the smile; many think that for the Greeks it reflected a state of well-being, but technical reasons have also been suggested.

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