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Statuette of Aphrodite or a Muse leaning on a pillar
Greek
Hellenistic Period
First half of 3rd century B.C.
Findspot: Greece, Euboia, Eretria, Tomb of the Erotes
Medium/Technique
Terracotta, painted
Dimensions
Height: 39.4 cm (15 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Henry Lillie Pierce Fund
Accession Number98.893
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
DescriptionA young woman wearing a high-belted tunic (chiton) and a mantle (himation) leans against a rectangular pillar with a block-like top and places one foot on its base. Her hair is arranged in a "melon-coiffure" or "corn rows", pulled back to a bun at the base of her skull. Loose locks fall from the bun onto her neck. The woman wears a large ring on her ring finger. A pin-hole in the top of the pillar and another on her shoulder indicate that another figure - presumably Eros - orginally was part of the group. Color is still brilliant on some parts of the figure: especially the flesh, the hair, the chiton, which is of intense pink, with a blue border. Missing: left forefinger, and three fingers of right hand. A crack runs down the right side.
Objects in the MFA from the Tomb of the Erotes include 97.290-97.345, 98.790-98.794, 98.798, 98.893, 99.438, and 21.1213.
Objects in the MFA from the Tomb of the Erotes include 97.290-97.345, 98.790-98.794, 98.798, 98.893, 99.438, and 21.1213.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with Edward Perry Warren (according to his records: From the Erotes tomb [at Eretria]. This statuette was found on a small table in the tomb.); 1898: purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren for $ 69,618.13 (this figure is the total price for MFA 98.641-98.940)