Terracotta group of two female figures sitting on a couch with elaborately turned legs, thick cushions, and draped with brightly painted textiles. They lean towards one another as if to share a secret, and the older woman on the right, with her himation pulled over her head, places a hand over her bared breast. The younger woman on the left raises her right hand over her breast under her own himation, mirroring her companion; on her left hand, we can see a large ring with a circular bezel. Each woman wears thick-soled sandals, and the older woman's sole is painted dark red. We see remains of the white slip - the base coat over which pigments would have been applied - as well as the bright remains of blue on the couch's drapery, and vibrant rose madder pigment on the younger woman's himation (cloak) and the cushions of the couch, red on the sole of the older woman's sandal and the younger woman's chiton (tunic), and a pale pink on the flesh of both women. Hellenistic, circa 100 BCE. Made in Myrina (Turkey), Asia Minor, where it was said to be found. Terracotta with pigments. British Museum (1885,0316.1)
Such a beautiful polychrome terracotta group of two female figures sitting on a couch, leaning towards one another as if to share a secret. The older woman clasps her bare breast. They are thought to be Demeter and her daughter Persephone, but the identification is unsure. 🏺 1/ #ancientbluesky
📸 me
