Hellenistic Terracotta Pigmented Grotesque Head

Object Description

A Hellenistic terracotta fragment depicting a stylised, grotesque, male head. The facial features and shape of the head have been exaggerated; elongated at the back with large, protruding ears to the sides and rounded, cheeks. Traces of pigment can be seen across the entirety of the head; from the white paint of the male’s skin to the red slip applied to the hair, eyes and mouth. The reverse is plain and unadorned. The head has been mounted on a custom-made stand.

Date: Circa 400-200 BC

Object History

Private London collection, previously acquired on the Belgium art market, originally in the collection of C Whitehead, Brussels 1990s.

Object Condition

Fine condition, fragmentary. Some wear as consistent with age. Height of the piece without the stand, 5.4cm

Object Details