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Red-brown rectangular fragment with low relief decoration of the right profile of a youthful woman holding billowing fabric

This red-brown terracotta rectangular fragment shows in low relief a youthful woman leaning forward. She is seen in right profile, wearing a short-sleeved dress that wraps around her waist, and a scarf or mantle that flows behind her. Her hair is in a low ponytail. The fragment is broken at thigh level. She reaches forward and grasps a piece of billowing fabric or garland. The fragment is broken just above her hand, and there is empty space behind her. There are two small white patches in this space and a few small chips on her face, arms, and dress.

Identification and Creation

Object Number
1977.216.2461
Title
Fragment of Arretine Pottery: Girl Arranging Garlands
Classification
Fragments
Work Type
sherd
Date
1st century BCE-1st century CE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Europe
Period
Roman Imperial period, Early
Culture
Roman
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/290232

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Terracotta
Technique
Molded

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Henry W. Haynes, Boston, MA (by 1912), bequest; Department of the Classics, Harvard University, 1912, transfer; Fogg Museum of Art, 1977.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Transfer from the Department of the Classics, Harvard University, Bequest of Henry W. Haynes, 1912
Accession Year
1977
Object Number
1977.216.2461
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description
This fragment of terra sigillata pottery depicts a girl in profile facing the right. She wears a gauzy, short-sleeved garment cinched at the waist and a mantle is draped around her neck. Her right arm is raised and bent at the elbow, grasping a billowing garland.
Commentary
Terra sigillata ("stamped earth") pottery was mold-made, mass-produced pottery that was distributed throughout the Roman Empire. This type of pottery was made at several production sites throughout Italy in the first century BCE. It is often decorated with figural or other decorative motifs.

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu