A Greek Terracotta Votive Goddess Pseudo-Vase, Late 4th century - early 3rd centuryBCE

This elegantly draped female figure is frontally posed in a standing position with her hands outstretched. She wears a long, high-waisted pink chiton that drops in soft folds to her feet, and is secured with a large round brooch on her right shoulder.   A himation gently drapes over her left shoulder and arm and envelopes the lower part of her body. Her sweet oval face is pale; the lips of the small mouth preserve traces of red pigment, and her round, oval eyes with arched eyebrows emphasize the timeless depth of her gaze.  Atop her head is an elaborate diadem of ivy leaves and floral arrangement.  She wears a necklace of rounded beads in dark red, most probably depicting carnelian.

A marvelously preserved object, the piece has much of the original rich color, characterized by strongly contrasting hues, including the delicate painting of the facial details, in keeping with the local style.  A pseudo-vase, attached to the back is a purely decorative strap handle that is also brightly painted. 

Background:  This pseudo-vase is a product of Canosa from the end of the fourth century BCE to the beginning of the third century BCE, based on numerous statues with comparable typology, fabric, and polychromy. The figure echoes a type, inspired by the production of Greek Tanagras, with the characteristic ivy wreath, which can be traced to Dionysian ideals.  Standing draped female statuettes were also utilized as attachments on large polychrome vases made in Canosa, datable between the end of the fourth century and the beginning of the third century BCE.

Dimensions: Height: 19 inches (48.25 cm)

Condition: Minor loss to fingertips of both hands, some areas of incrustation, otherwise intact with good remaining original paint.

Provenance: Private New York collection, acquired from the NY trade in 2000, previously in the private collection of Mickey Nemer, FL. acquired from the Donna Jacobs Gallery, Michigan in the 1980’s.