Culture: EGYPTIAN.

Date: 1ST CENTURY BC - 1ST CENTURY AD.

Origin: ALEXANDRIA.

Material: TERRACOTTA.

Provenance: EX: ENGLISH COLLECTION, EX: ROYAL-ATHENA GALLERIES.

Condition: INTACT, WITH ORIGINAL PIGMENT, MOUNTED ON A CUSTOM STAND.

Measurments: 1 7/8 INCH HIGH, (5.4 CMS).

With enlarged cranium, jutting chin, and open mouth. Traces of original pigment remaining.

Cf: For a closeley similar object, see lot 111, Sotheby's New York Antiquities Auction, June 10/11, 1983.

In archaeology, the term "grotesque" designates an important class of objects, generally of small size and of ranging artistic quality, that exploit physical deformations and human maladies for the amusement of its viewers: ancient artisans did notalways treat these afflictions and deformities in a realistic manner, but they inspired them to create an exaggerated, caricature-like effect. This style developed throughout Asia Minor (Smyrna) and in Egypt (Alexandria), and the Roman empire. Grotesques fascinated the entire Mediterranean.
Images of men, or more rare, of women and children, old men, dwarves, Africans, the obese or emaciated etc., the repertoire of "grotesques" is extremely varied. There are few figurines in terracotta as wel as bronze. This head is from the terracotta group, of fine qualities and powerful details.

Antiquities
Ancient Egyptian