ostracon ancient art
catalogue

Egyptian Female Head with Elaborate Hairdo, Early Antoninian Period, 140-150 AD

Sizeable terracotta head of a full-faced woman with downturned mouth, double chin and Venus folds along the heavy neck.

The modeling of the eyes is neglected, as they were painted over the white gesso layer that covered the head.

The elaborate hairdo arranged in arching strands encircled by single flowers. Cursory rendition of the hair at rear.

For the same face with slightly differing hairdo cf. the head no. 327 in: Eva Bayer-Niemeier. Griechisch-Römische Terrakotten. Melsungen 1988.

Broken at the neck level. Fine and careful modeling.

9.3 cm (3.7 in), 16.9 cm (6.7 in)

Swiss art market

460 USD