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Mask of Courtesan from New Comedy
Greek, East Greek
Hellenistic Period
late 2nd or early 1st century B.C.
Medium/Technique
Terracotta
Dimensions
12 cm (4 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase with funds donated by contribution
Accession Number01.7753
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsSculpture
Catalogue Raisonné
Burr, Terra-cottas from Myrina (MFA), no. 115.
DescriptionThis mask is of a stock female character from New Comedy, a young courtesan (hetaira) with head band and open mouth. She has her hair loose over the ears and tied in a knot at the crown of the head. She has bored pupils. She wears a broad fillet around the head and earrings in her ears. The mouth is open.
Traces of Cream color on fillet; yellow on hair; traces of cream color and white slip on face. Two suspension holes.
Light red clay.
Traces of Cream color on fillet; yellow on hair; traces of cream color and white slip on face. Two suspension holes.
Light red clay.
ProvenanceBy 1901: with Edward Perry Warren (according to Warren's records: Myrina, from the Metaxas Collection in Athens); purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren, December 1901