Etruscan Votive Face

Culture: Etruscan

Period: 3rd-2nd century B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 11 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 4206

Provenance: Christie's auction from the 1980s, with an old label at the bottom of the stand. Thence in a New York collection and in the New York art market.

Condition: Intact

Description: Votive offering in form of a sculptural, smaller-than-life size face with naturalistic features formed out of the mold. The deep sitting eyes looking vigilantly out from thick lids. Iris and pupils are recognizable. The nose is straight and finely drawn, the mouth with its bulging lips slightly open. The surface still has beautiful rose color remains, which lends a human touch to the face. Especially during the Hellenistic period votive offerings to the gods, with anatomic details, were very popular in Etruria. One hoped for relief from physical suffering and expressed gratitude for healing that had already occurred. Face votive offerings such as the present one possibly represent a person who thus placed himself under divine protection. Mounted on a plexiglass base.