Ancient Greek, Magna Graecia Terracotta Head - 10.58 cm

Head with Headdress Adorned with Three Rosettes in Terracotta — Attributed to Taranto, Magna Graecia, late 5th–4th century BC

Fragment of a light-colored terracotta relief depicting a head with wavy hair, surmounted by a headdress adorned with three rosettes. The face is set within a broad arched frame, punctuated by a crest ornament and two lateral rosettes. This symmetrical composition gives the fragment an expressive sculptural presence.

Description:

The face has an exposed forehead, eyes whose contours have been softened by wear, a prominent nose, and a small mouth with slightly parted lips. The wavy locks frame the temples and accentuate the oval of the face, ending in a rounded chin.

The headdress is the distinctive element of the composition. Its arched border links the three rosettes, whose raised centers and petals remain discernible. The contrast between the generous scale of this adornment and the proportions of the face gives the piece a particularly recognizable silhouette.

The concave reverse reveals the structure of the terracotta wall, whose thickness is visible along the edges. The surface displays shades ranging from beige to light ochre, a granular texture, and superficial deposits.

Characteristics

Material: light-colored terracotta.
Subject: head with a headdress adorned with three rosettes.
Form: relief fragment with a concave reverse.
Height: 10.58 cm.
Width: 10.15 cm.
Weight: 96 g.

Condition:

Fragment preserving the face, part of the hair, and the three rosettes of the headdress. Breaks and losses around the edges, particularly at the top and beneath the chin. Wear to the relief, small chips, superficial deposits, and surface irregularities.

Traces of amber-colored applied material are visible on the reverse. A small blue mark appears on the lower edge.

Photographs from several angles supplement the description and make it possible to assess the condition.

Provenance:

Acquired from the Auction Partners auction house in Germany.
Shipping;

Careful packaging suited to the fragility of the terracotta, with reinforced protection and individual cushioning. The lot is insured during transport.