Alabastron (oil flask) in the Form of a Woman Holding a Dove
c. 550 BCE
Description
The upper part of this alabastron is modeled as a standing woman with a veil over her head. She wears a necklace and holds a bird to her chest with the proper right hand; the left arm is on the side of the body, with the hand closed. The back is plain and thickly incrusted. The figure was made in a mold, but there was some retooling of mouth and chin, and the lines between the fingers holding the bird were incised. The vessel is made of micaceous clay that is fired reddish brown and shows distinct polishing marks. Remains of red paint survive on the rim. The surface is damaged in the lower part and there is a crack on the proper right side.
Dimensions
26 x 3 x 5 cm (10 1/4 x 1 3/16 x 1 15/16 in.)
Provenance
[Muenzen and Medaillen A. G., Basel, August 1962, Liste E, 120], sold; to Frederick M. Watkins, New Haven, CT, (by 1962), bequest; to the Fogg Art Museum, 1972.
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