Head of a Goddess

Culture: Greek

Period: ca. 400 B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 22 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 2131

Provenance: Private collection Surgeon-General Dr. Josef Mayer-Riefenthaler, Vienna, Austria. Acquired in Cyprus in the 1960s, during his deployment as UN soldier.

Condition: The back of the head stabilized, but complete. Many remains of color in her hair and face.

Description: Excellently worked terracotta head of a goddess from the classical period. The head with thick, curly, center-parted hair is slightly tilted to the left, thick lips, a distinct straight nose. Her gaze is straight ahead, defining an expression of melancholy. Her ears are pierced and probably had golden earrings, which are now lost. The back of her head is covered by a veil. Possibly the head of an almost life-size votive figure (Demeter?), being offered at a holy site. For reference see Metropolitan Museum Accession Number: 74.51.1459. Found in Cyprus. Mounted.