Important Etruscan Bronze Statuette of an Actress with a Theater Mask

Culture: Etruscan

Period: Late 6th to early 5th century B.C.

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: 20.3 cm high; 27.9 cm high (including base)

Price: Sold

Ref: 4212

Provenance: New York private collection S. Rey, acquired prior to 1956. On 8 May 1956 acquired from the gallery Ernest Brummer (1891-1964), Paris and New York. With a copy of the inventory list, as well as an old exhibition picture. Thence by descent to the widow Ella Bache Brummer until 1999, as well as by succession to the nephew Dr. John Laszlo, Atlanta, Georgia.

Condition: Intact, with malachite- and azure blue aged patina, in places traces of corrosion.

Description: Large and solid worked out bronze statuette of a woman with a theater mask. The actress without clothes has a little belly, small round breasts and stands upright with slightly spread legs. She holds her arms forward with the palms facing up. Perforations in the hands indicate that she either held a separately worked out object or another person. Striking is the theater mask of a bearded man, possibly Poseidon, which she holds in front of her face and is crowned by a high headdress. The back of the head of the actress is free and exposes her elaborate, braided hair with thick strands. A very rare, archaic work from Etruria. On a high metal base.