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Female torso
Greek
Hellenistic Period
2nd–1st century B.C.
Medium/Technique
Marble, probably from the Greek island of Paros
Dimensions
Overall: 78 x 47.3 x 21.6 cm (30 11/16 x 18 5/8 x 8 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Catharine Page Perkins Fund
Accession Number97.286
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
Catalogue Raisonné
Sculpture in Stone (MFA), no. 091; Sculpture in Stone and Bronze (MFA), p. 109 (additional published references).
DescriptionThe female torso wears a thin chiton bound under her breasts by a cord tied in a large bowknot. The garment is drawn tight over her breasts, abdomen and hips, and hangs in rippling folds elsewhere. A himation or cloak is visible along the bottom of the torso on the figure's left side. The right hip, which is cocked to one side, is raised over the left hip while the upper body twists towards her right.
Condition: The missing head and neck were fastened to the torso with a dowel. The missing arms were also inserted into the torso with dowels. The bottom of the torso is roughly cut. In contrast, the back of the torso is a flat, smooth surface indicating that the back may have been cut off at a later period. Marble surface pitted and corroded.
Scientific Analysis:
Harvard Lab No. HI230: Isotope ratios - delta13C +1.79 / delta18O -3.65, Attribution - Probably Paros 2, Justification - Grayish, coarse grained marble.
Condition: The missing head and neck were fastened to the torso with a dowel. The missing arms were also inserted into the torso with dowels. The bottom of the torso is roughly cut. In contrast, the back of the torso is a flat, smooth surface indicating that the back may have been cut off at a later period. Marble surface pitted and corroded.
Scientific Analysis:
Harvard Lab No. HI230: Isotope ratios - delta13C +1.79 / delta18O -3.65, Attribution - Probably Paros 2, Justification - Grayish, coarse grained marble.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with Edward Perry Warren (according to Warren's records: From Rome or its neighbourhood.); 1897: purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren for $ 25,000.00 (this figure is the total price for MFA 97.285-97.442 and 97.1104)