Terracotta head of a goddess
Unknown Artist
3rd century BCE
Medium
Terracotta
Dimensions
H. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)
Classification
Terracottas
Culture & Period
Greek, 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
74.51.1533
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate terracotta head of a, crafted in the Early Hellenistic period around the 3rd century BCE, hails from ancient Cyprus, a vibrant crossroads of Greek and Eastern Mediterranean cultures. Standing just 2 3/4 inches (7 cm) tall, it exemplifies the intimate scale of votive figurines at sanctuaries to honor deities. Likely depicting a goddess such as Aphrodite—whose cult thrived on Cyprus—the serene facial features and elaborate headdress reflect the refined idealism of Hellenistic art, blending classical Greek harmony with local Cypriot flair. Terracotta, a fired clay medium, was prize...