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A terracotta statue of a person standing on a red stone block. They wear a cloth that covers their whole body and head with only their eyes showing.

A terracotta statue of a person standing upright on a red stone block with a white background. The statue is tan and has white discoloration throughout. They face the right and both of their arms are bent upward. They wear a draped cloth that covers their whole body and head with only their eyes showing. Their feet peek out from under the cloth.

Identification and Creation

Object Number
1919.519
Title
Veiled Dancer
Classification
Sculpture
Work Type
statuette, sculpture
Date
400-300 BCE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Europe, Boeotia
Period
Classical period, Late, to Early Hellenistic
Culture
Greek
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/293281

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Terracotta, remains of white slip and paint
Technique
Mold-made
Dimensions
H. 23.9 x W. 11.8 x D. 6 cm (9 7/16 x 4 5/8 x 2 3/8 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Mr. & Mrs. William de Forest Thomson; gift to Fogg Art Museum, 1919.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. William de Forest Thomson
Accession Year
1919
Object Number
1919.519
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description
Figurine represents a veiled dancer on a platform, in a long himation with a "tegidion" veil worn over a blue chiton. Dancing, with left foot crossed over right, right hand touching right shoulder, left hand raised to shoulder-height. Folds of drapery rather schematic, radiating from shoulders. Plinth with vegetal pattern, bulbous corners. Rough back with large venthole, undecorated, interior clearly visible.

Large amounts of surviving white slip, Egyptian Blue on chiton, iron oxide red on base.

Pale, pinkish brown clay and powdery surface.

Publication History

  • George M. A. Hanfmann, Greek Art and Life, An Exhibition Catalogue, exh. cat., Fogg Art Museum (Cambridge, MA, 1950), no. 161.

Exhibition History

  • Greek Art and Life: From the Collections of the Fogg Art Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and Private Lenders, Fogg Art Museum, 03/07/1950 - 04/15/1950
  • 32Q: 3440 Middle East, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 09/04/2021 - 12/13/2021

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be 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