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Figurine of a woman holding her breasts, likely Aphrodite-Astarte
Cypriote
Cypro-Archaic Period
late 7th century B.C.
Medium/Technique
Terracotta
Dimensions
Overall: 11.4 x 3.8 x 2.9 cm (4 1/2 x 1 1/2 x 1 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds donated by subscription
Accession Number72.155
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
DescriptionThis mold-made figurine represents a nude woman holding her breasts. Her gesture and her swollen stomach draw attention to her gender and fertility. Her elaborate hairstyle, represented in a grid-like pattern, as well as her earrings and bracelets suggest she is a person of high status, perhaps even the goddess Aphrodite-Astarte. Her face has large, carefully articulated eyes and a small mouth. The figure’s feet are now missing.
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)
$ 1,704.39 (this figure is the total price for MFA 72.1-72.473 and 72.4871-72.4900)