Limestone female head
Unknown Artist
late 6th–early 5th century BCE
Medium
Limestone
Dimensions
Overall: 11 x 10 1/4 x 8 in. (27.9 x 26 x 20.3 cm)
Classification
Stone Sculpture
Culture & Period
Cypriot · Archaic
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
Accession Number
74.51.2820
Tags
Art Historical Context
This striking limestone female head, carved in Cyprus during the late 6th to early 5th century BCE exemplifies the Archaic period's distinctive sculptural style. Standing at about 11 inches tall, the piece captures a woman's serene visage with smooth, rounded features typical of Cypriot stone carving. Limestone, abundant on the island, was a favored medium for its workability and durability, allowing artisans to achieve a polished finish that has endured for millennia. Cypriot art from this era reflects a vibrant cultural crossroads, blending influences from Greece, the Near East, and Egypt. ...