SculptureGreek3rd-2nd century BCE

Kneeling Draped Woman

3rd-2nd century BCE

Description

Mostly complete figurine; missing arms. Kneeling young woman, draped. Her hair is drawn back in a complicated hairdo, similar to “melon” style: separated into four sections, twisted, and brought back into a small ponytail at the nape, with separate locks of curly hair framing the face. She seems to wear a crown of small fruit (perhaps ivy berries). Small head, looks down to the right with joyful expression. Regular features. Oval face with a small forehead. Small eyes with both lids rendered in relief; small, straight nose; small mouth appears to smile. She wears a long chiton under a himation (or mantle) that is falling off her shoulders. She kneels on her left knee, while her right leg is bent, foot flat on the ground, and seems to lean on a bulbous mound behind her. Her arms are missing, but comparable figures suggest that this young woman was playing with knucklebones. She would have thrown the bones (like game pieces) with her right hand, while her left would have held their carrying pouch. Would have been painted originally, now only traces of white ground extant. Hollow. Mold-made in two bivalve molds, likely plaster. Round venthole at middle of back. Detailing of hair incised. The back is modeled, but treatment of folds is more shallow and linear. Attached to a rectangular, narrow base. The clay is bright brick-red and finely levigated; hard-fired.

Classification

Sculpture

Technique

Mold-made

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Greek

Period

Hellenistic period

Century

3rd-2nd century BCE