Head of a comic figurine
Unknown Artist
late 4th–3rd century BCE
Medium
Terracotta
Dimensions
H. 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm)
Classification
Terracottas
Culture & Period
Cypriot · Early Hellenistic
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
Accession Number
74.51.1500
Tags
Art Historical Context
This petite terracotta head, measuring just 1 1/8 inches tall, captures the whimsical spirit of a comic figurine from late 4th–3rd century BCE Cyprus during the Early Hellenistic period.ed by an unknown artist it likely formed part of a larger votive or decorative figure, showcasing exaggerated features typical of humorous ancient sculptures—perhaps a bald pate, bulging eyes, or puckered expression meant to amuse or satirize everyday life. Terracotta, a fired clay medium favored in Cypriot workshops, was ideal for mass-producing affordable figurines offered in sanctuaries or placed in homes. ...