Terracotta statuette of a woman

Greek, South Italian, Tarentine

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 161


The colors used to paint Hellenistic terracotta statuettes came from many sources. In addition to minerals for pigments and metals for gilding, plant roots, lichen, sea snails, and insects were used to produce organic lakes. Applied to molded figures after firing, the colors were often blended and layered to achieve vivid hues. Here, the artist applied bright pink madder lake over Egyptian blue on the garment and a deep red ocher for the hair. In some cases, terracotta figurines were repainted in antiquity, perhaps to restore faded colors or adjust for a change in tastes.

Terracotta statuette of a woman, Terracotta, Greek, South Italian, Tarentine

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Terracotta statuette of a woman, Terracotta, Greek, South Italian, Tarentine
Terracotta statuette of a woman, Terracotta, Greek, South Italian, Tarentine
Terracotta statuette of a woman, Terracotta, Greek, South Italian, Tarentine

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