Large Hellenistic Terracotta Bust of a Young Woman with a Melon Hairstyle

Culture: Greek

Period: 2nd century B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 19.5 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 2620

Provenance: From an old French private collection with the collection number 6098. Auctioned with Pierre Bergé on 11 July 2019, there acquired by MMC Archéologie Paris. Last in a French private collection.

Condition: In some areas white encrustation, but intact and of wonderful quality.

Description: Very charming and large terracotta bust of a young woman. She wears the in Hellenistic times very popular melon hairstyle, where the hair is parted in segments (“ribs”) and pulled back to a bun. The finely drawn waves of her hairstyle frame the gentle face and cover the ears, where a long jewellery hangs down. The woman has her head tilted to the right, her gaze is melancholic, but not unhappy, almost suggesting a smile with the slightly open mouth. She wears a chiton and on top a himation with thick pleats around the neck. Of wonderful quality. The old collection number 6098 is on the inside. On a custom-made metal base.