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Figurine of woman nursing a child

Cypriote
Cypro-Archaic Period
600–480 B.C.

Medium/Technique Limestone
Dimensions Overall: 17.8 x 5.2 x 3 cm (7 x 2 1/16 x 1 3/16 in.)
Credit Line Museum purchase with funds donated by subscription
Accession Number72.158
ClassificationsSculpture

DescriptionThis stone figurine depicts a woman holding a child, who nurses at her breast. Though the object is now rather worn, some details of the depiction still stand out. The small child is supported by the arms of the woman as he reaches up towards her chest. The woman appears to wear a relatively simple, clinging garment. The head of the woman is distinctly Egyptianizing in style: her heavily rounded, wig-like hair particularly recalls depictions of the Egyptian goddess Hathor.

ProvenanceBy date unknown: with General Luigi Palma di Cesnola (from Cyprus); May 16, 1872: purchased by MFA from General Luigi Palma di Cesnola for
$ 1,704.39 (this figure is the total price for MFA 72.1-72.473 and 72.4871-72.4900)