Terracotta Statuette of a Standing Woman
Dublin Core
Title
Terracotta Statuette of a Standing Woman
Subject
Hellenistic Sculptural Art
Description
"Medium: Terracotta
Dimensions: H. 6 7/16 in. (16.4 cm)
Classification: Terracottas"
Although Mauryan Period art features women, Hellenistic art features women in a more everyday sense though their depiction of clothing, physical appearance, and position of body in their sculptures. Both pieces I chose to analyze were sculptures made of Terracotta and featured two standing women. One being a seemingly younger girl and one being a woman. By comparing and contrasting the physical characteristics of these two females, I hope to draw conclusions about everyday life of a woman in the Hellenistic Period. Both females are wrapped in “himation (cloaks)” and they are both wrapped tightly around their body. This is believed to be used for a fashion statement and it resembles everyday clothing of women and girls. Unlike most Mauryan pieces, which feature deities, you see both women standing naturally in these sculptures. The young girl is a little hunched in a child-like way and the light smile hints at a child nature. According to Metropolitan Museum of Art, children were no longer represented as miniature adults but rather were given childlike proportions and features in the Hellenistic time period. This shows us a more “real” sense of humanity during that time period. Even in the sculpture of the woman, we see drapes of cloth as clothing rather than them being naked. This shows a more everyday approach to artwork. The Metropolitan Museum also states that some Hellenistic art pieces featured “women...are seated or playing games”. This certainly speaks towards the portrayal of everyday life. I wish to further analyze the “why” to certain clothing pieces, accessories, and the functions of both of those used in tandem. I also wish to relearn the three major parts of a thesis statement.
Dimensions: H. 6 7/16 in. (16.4 cm)
Classification: Terracottas"
Although Mauryan Period art features women, Hellenistic art features women in a more everyday sense though their depiction of clothing, physical appearance, and position of body in their sculptures. Both pieces I chose to analyze were sculptures made of Terracotta and featured two standing women. One being a seemingly younger girl and one being a woman. By comparing and contrasting the physical characteristics of these two females, I hope to draw conclusions about everyday life of a woman in the Hellenistic Period. Both females are wrapped in “himation (cloaks)” and they are both wrapped tightly around their body. This is believed to be used for a fashion statement and it resembles everyday clothing of women and girls. Unlike most Mauryan pieces, which feature deities, you see both women standing naturally in these sculptures. The young girl is a little hunched in a child-like way and the light smile hints at a child nature. According to Metropolitan Museum of Art, children were no longer represented as miniature adults but rather were given childlike proportions and features in the Hellenistic time period. This shows us a more “real” sense of humanity during that time period. Even in the sculpture of the woman, we see drapes of cloth as clothing rather than them being naked. This shows a more everyday approach to artwork. The Metropolitan Museum also states that some Hellenistic art pieces featured “women...are seated or playing games”. This certainly speaks towards the portrayal of everyday life. I wish to further analyze the “why” to certain clothing pieces, accessories, and the functions of both of those used in tandem. I also wish to relearn the three major parts of a thesis statement.
Date
"Date: late 4th–early 3rd century B.C."
Contributor
Molly Rapp
Rights
Copy Right, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Used for Educational Purposes Only.
Format
Terracotta
Type
Sculpture
Collection
Citation
“Terracotta Statuette of a Standing Woman,” World History 1 Online, Spring 2019, accessed October 17, 2026, https://jacknorton.org/1101-online-sp19/items/show/64.