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Left hand holding alabastron
Greek
Classical Period
about 470–450 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Marble probably from the Greek island of Paros
Dimensions
Length (max.): 15.7 cm (6 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Julia Bradford Huntington James Fund and Museum purchase with funds donated by contribution
Accession Number10.159
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
Catalogue Raisonné
Sculpture in Stone (MFA), no. 031; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 107 (additional published references).
DescriptionA woman's left hand holds an alabastron in a nearly upright position. The hand is life-sized and has been carved in low relief.
The background has been cut away. The hand is broken off at the wrist, and the top of the alabastron is missing. The little finger is damaged. The surfaces have a brown to yellow patina with some incrustation.
Scientific Analysis:
Marble has been scientifically tested with X-Ray Diffraction and determined to be Calcitic.
Harvard Lab No. HI098: Isotope ratios - delta13C +2.05 / delta18O -1.38, Attribution - Probably Paros 2, Justification - Stylistically related to mainland Greece.
The background has been cut away. The hand is broken off at the wrist, and the top of the alabastron is missing. The little finger is damaged. The surfaces have a brown to yellow patina with some incrustation.
Scientific Analysis:
Marble has been scientifically tested with X-Ray Diffraction and determined to be Calcitic.
Harvard Lab No. HI098: Isotope ratios - delta13C +2.05 / delta18O -1.38, Attribution - Probably Paros 2, Justification - Stylistically related to mainland Greece.
ProvenanceBy 1899: with E. P. Warren (according to his records: bought in Rome in 1899); purchased by MFA from E. P. Warren, June 2, 1910, for $4,000.00 (this figure is the total price for MFA 10.159-10.230)